Community garden with mural
Policy Database
State Policy
Michigan

Exempting farms from nuisance liability

Mich. Comp. Laws, §§ 286.471-474 (1981).

Last Visited 3/31/26
Policy Summary

This law establishes the “right to farm” in Michigan by excusing farms from liability for nuisance so long as the farm is engaging in generally accepted good farming practices. Additionally, the statute establishes a notice requirement for sales of nearby property that they are purchasing property in close proximity to a farm. This could be beneficial to urban farms and gardens who are protected from nuisance litigation or create challenges for farmers or community members whose property is being polluted by a neighboring farm.

State Michigan
Jurisdiction Name Michigan
Jurisdiction Type state
Food System Topics
  • Urban Agriculture
  • Agricultural Production
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