Sylvan Township, Michigan

In an attempt to better serve our citizens, we will be posting the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that our Township officers and staff are asked. The first answer is courtesy of Bob Lange, our Township Ordinance Enforcement Officer, and it's about horses and other livestock.

Q. How many acres do I need to keep a horse or other livestock?  How about more than one?

A. The Sylvan Township Ordinance regarding  Livestock:  A dwelling unit not located on a farm may raise or keep, only as an accessary use, and only for the use of the occupant of the premises,  and not for any purpose of remuneration:  poultry, rabbits, and fowl and small animals, and livestock, provided further that the minimum lot area for the and keeping of livestock shall between (2) acres for the first two (2) livestock animals, and twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of additional lot area for each additional one (1) animal.  All fowl and animals be properly housed, fenced and cared for so as not to become a public nuisance.

If you have a question that merits an answer on this page, please email Dave Solo at  DSolo@twp-sylvan.org