Livonia Council Passes New Ordinances Regulating Racing Pigeons

Livonia, MI — Out of the norm of regular business, the Livonia City Council voted unanimously this August to adopt new ordinances regulating the keeping of racing pigeons in residential neighborhoods. The 6–0 decision amends Title 6 of the city’s animal control code and introduces new sections that specifically address loft construction, pigeon care, and limits on the number of birds allowed.

The ordinance, introduced in response to complaints from residents concerned about noise, odors, and property values, sets a cap of 30 racing pigeons per property and establishes detailed rules for loft design, cleanliness, and recordkeeping. Among the requirements: lofts must be set back at least 25 feet from nearby homes, at least 200 feet from schools or churches, and provide two square feet of space per bird. Owners are also required to keep logbooks, ensure pigeons are banded, and limit daily releases to no more than 20 pigeons between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Violations carry escalating fines, beginning at $100 for the first offense and reaching misdemeanor charges for repeated violations. Commercial breeding, butchering, and the keeping of non-racing pigeons are expressly prohibited.

The council’s action follows a June petition by a resident, who urged the city to impose limits after learning her neighbor was planning to stock a newly built loft with up to 80 pigeons. “Any more than 20 would constitute a pigeon farm,” Jacoby told council, citing health and property concerns.

But for Sergiu, the neighbor, pigeon racing is more than a pastime — it’s a lifelong passion.

Sergiu first began raising homing pigeons as a boy in Romania, when he was just six years old. “All my friends had homing pigeons, so it was hard not to get into it,” he said. “I’ve had them ever since.” Decades later, he is still deeply involved, serving as race secretary for several pigeon clubs in Metro Detroit, including the Suburban Motor City Combine and West Side Members. He currently houses his birds in Ypsilanti while completing construction of a loft at his Livonia home.

“I don’t just keep them, I race them,” Sergiu said proudly. To him, pigeon racing is both sport and identity. He calls it “more than just a hobby, it’s my life.”

When asked about the new restrictions, Sergiu expressed concern about the city’s decision and its potential conflict with state law, which protects the keeping of racing pigeons under certain conditions. “Based on state law, cities cannot outright prohibit the orderly keeping of racing pigeons if a permit is obtained from the Wayne County Health Department,” he said. Still, he emphasized he would comply: “If it does affect me, I’ll follow the law. But as soon as the opportunity arrives, I’m out of Livonia. The only reason I moved here was because I thought I had the space to do what I love.”

City Attorney Carter Fisher told council that the ordinance was carefully crafted to withstand legal challenges by aligning with state law while addressing local nuisance concerns. “This is a holistic ordinance,” Fisher said during council discussions, noting that neighboring cities set limits ranging from 15 to over 40 pigeons.

For pigeon racing enthusiasts like Sergiu, the decision represents yet another hurdle for a sport that has long been misunderstood. For residents like Jacoby, it is a safeguard for neighborhood peace of mind.

The new rules will take effect later this year, following publication in the city’s official code of ordinances.