Committee approves proposals for Chickens in Residential Areas project and directs staff to present to Council for final decision

On February 4, 2025, County staff presented a draft 'Backyard Hen' By-Law', proposed changes to animal control and zoning regulations, a draft licensing form, and a suggested program fee to the Policy Development Committee. The Committee approved all proposals and directed staff to move forward with presenting them to Council for a final decision. View the staff report and all attachments in the documents section of this page.

In the coming weeks, County staff will finalize the by-laws and application form for the February 25, 2025 Council meeting. If approved, the by-laws will take effect after a 21-day appeal period for the zoning changes, and the Backyard Hen program will be launched in the County's Non-Urban Residential Zones in Spring 2025. These zones include Suburban Residential (SR), Residential Hamlets and Villages (RH), and Rural Residential (RR). To check the zoning of a property visit brant.ca/Zoning.

Before keeping hens on a Non-Urban Residential property, certain regulations will need to be met, including submitting a licensing application, paying the program fee, and completing a property inspection.

More information and updates about the project will be available on this page as it progresses toward completion and implementation.

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