Who can have urban hens?

Within the villages and in rural residential zones, only residents who have an approved license can keep backyard hens on their property.

There are two types of licenses for backyard hens:

  • For properties zoned Rural Residential
  • For properties zoned Residential 

Apply for a License

Residential Properties 500m²-2999m²

This license as part of By-Law 2023-094, allowing up to three hens on your residential property (between 500m² and 2999m²).

Your application must include:

  • Complete Application Form for Backyard Hens Permit (500m²-2999m²);
  • Your permit fee of $75 by cash, cheque, or interac;
  • Site plan illustrating the location of the hen coop on the property, clearly marking distance to property lines, streets, dimensions, and any other structures on property.

Backyard Hens Permit (500m²-2999m²)

Please submit your application form and required documents to the Public Safety and Enforcement Department.

Remember that if you are in a residential zone, even with an urban hens permit, you cannot:

  • keep a rooster;
  • keep a meat hen;
  • keep an egg laying hen, other than a backyard hen for which a valid license has been issued.

Exceptions apply to where it is permitted on a hobby farm.

Rural Residential Properties 3000M² or more

This license as part of By-Law 2023-094, allows up to five hens on your rural residential property (3000m² or more).

Your application must include:

  • Complete Application Form for a Backyard Hens Permit (3000m² or more);
  • Your permit fee of $75 by cash, cheque, or interac;
  • Site plan illustrating the location of the hen coop on the property, clearly marking distance to property lines, streets, dimensions, and any other structures on property;

Backyard Hens Permit (3000m² +)

Please submit your application form and required documents to the Public Safety and Enforcement Department.

Fees

The annual Urban Hens License fee is $75.

Your license fee needs to be submitted with your application. The license fee will not be reimbursed if your license is revoked.


Please contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department if you would like more information.