Chickens in Residential Areas

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In the County of Brant, livestock is currently restricted to agricultural areas and lots zoned agricultural, following specific guidelines and by-laws. This includes the keeping or raising of backyard chickens.

In November 2023 a completed staff report was presented to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Planning and Development Committee. The committee directed staff to investigate Option 3 of Staff’s report, Chickens in Residential Areas (RPT-0454-23), to permit chickens within all residential areas and zones subject to specific regulations specified by By-Law, licensing and property inspection, and public engagement prior to amendments taking effect.

FAQs

We have included a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help answer some questions you may have about the project.


Stay informed

Scroll down to see the news feed of information as well as opportunities to engage, a timeline of events and more.

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Disclaimer: Agricultural areas of the County of Brant will be exempt from regulations, licensing program, and fees outlined within this report. Properties classified as farm property class lands pursuant to the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.31 are permitted to keep and raise livestock in accordance with Provincial Minimum Distance Setback (MDS) Guidelines, the County of Brant Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 61-16, County’s Animal Control By-Law 174-10, and building permit where applicable.

In the County of Brant, livestock is currently restricted to agricultural areas and lots zoned agricultural, following specific guidelines and by-laws. This includes the keeping or raising of backyard chickens.

In November 2023 a completed staff report was presented to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Planning and Development Committee. The committee directed staff to investigate Option 3 of Staff’s report, Chickens in Residential Areas (RPT-0454-23), to permit chickens within all residential areas and zones subject to specific regulations specified by By-Law, licensing and property inspection, and public engagement prior to amendments taking effect.

FAQs

We have included a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help answer some questions you may have about the project.


Stay informed

Scroll down to see the news feed of information as well as opportunities to engage, a timeline of events and more.

Subscribe for updates and be the first to learn more information about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.


Disclaimer: Agricultural areas of the County of Brant will be exempt from regulations, licensing program, and fees outlined within this report. Properties classified as farm property class lands pursuant to the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.31 are permitted to keep and raise livestock in accordance with Provincial Minimum Distance Setback (MDS) Guidelines, the County of Brant Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 61-16, County’s Animal Control By-Law 174-10, and building permit where applicable.

  • October Update and Next Steps

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    On September 24, 2024, County of Brant Council ratified the decision of the Policy Development Committee on September 3, 2024, to allow chickens in Non-Urban Residential Areas and Zones, subject to specific regulations specified by By-Law, and licensing and property inspection.

    As part of next steps, County Staff will begin drafting specific regulations to support a Backyard Hen Program in the County of Brant. This phase of the project will span Fall/Winter of 2024.

    Amendments to the County’s Animal Control By-Law, Comprehensive Zoning By-Law, and a new Backyard Hen By-Law will be presented at a future meeting for Committee’s consideration. A Licensing Program and fees to help support program implementation will also be presented for consideration.

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  • Recommendation report to be presented September 3, 2024

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    County Staff will present a recommendation report to Committee at the Policy Development Committee Meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 for consideration and direction. This report will also share an engagement summary and outline next steps in the project.

    The Committee meeting will begin at 6:00 pm inside the County of Brant Council Chambers at 7 Broadway Street West in Paris. The meeting can also be viewed online by visiting www.brant.ca/Live. Any person who wishes to speak or make a verbal presentation at the meeting must request to register as a delegation. To request to be a delegate please complete the online Delegation Request Form.

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  • Thank you for your feedback. What happens next?

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    The Chickens in Residential Areas survey launched on March 11, 2024, to request public feedback. With engagement closing on March 29, 2024, a summary of what we heard as well as the survey results are now available. Thank you for participating!

    Information Report RPT-0177-24, to further consider Chickens in Residential Areas, went forward to the Planning and Development Committee on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, for information and direction. A copy of the report, attachments, and presentation are available under the “Documents” section of this page. The meeting can also be viewed online.

    No decisions have been made by Council on this project yet. Future meeting dates and project materials will continue to be shared on this page as they become available.

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  • Engage with us

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    Chickens are increasingly recognized as a sustainable and educational addition to neighbourhoods, providing fresh eggs, fostering a connection to food sources, and promoting a sense of community. Currently the County of Brant is considering allowing chickens in residential areas. If the County of Brant allows chickens in residential areas, regulations and guidelines will be developed as part of next steps that balance the interests of residents and the community.

    The County of Brant invites you to share your thoughts and opinions on the development of regulations and guidelines for having chickens in residential areas.

    For your convenience

    Attend a Public Information Meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm inside the County of Brant Council Chambers (7 Broadway Street West, Paris). The meeting can also be viewed online by visiting www.brant.ca/Live.
    Any person may make a verbal presentation or submit a “written submission” via mail, e-mail, or transcribed message by staff up to 2:00 pm the day of the meeting. Please forward your written submission to clerks@brant.ca or jessica.kitchen@brant.ca.
    Complete the online survey. The survey closes Friday, March 29 at 4:30 pm.
    Still have questions or comments about chickens in residential areas? Let us know using the tool below.


    Engagement closes on Friday, March 29 at 4:30 pm.

    Your input will play a crucial role in shaping potential regulations for keeping chickens in residential areas. We encourage all residents, whether in favor or with concerns, to actively participate in this important process.

Page last updated: 11 Oct 2024, 03:20 PM