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.


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


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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.

Online engagement concluded on March 29, 2024. Thank you for your feedback.

Let us know below.

  • Share I am not a chicken keeper but i'm all for it. I am not remotely worried about wells -- especially because the denser areas will be served by municipal water anyway. There are greater risks to water quality than chicken droppings that people spend money on to place on gardens anyway. Our groundwater has other, real threats that we could more wisely use our staff and shared tax dollars to address. My only real concern is proper fencing, to keep chickens reliably on their owners' properties. As for sound, hens are quiet, and a neighbourhood rooster could be shared: it becomes a pleasant part of life, much like the sound of trains. Letting Brant be rural by design could go a long way to mitigating conflicts between residents who do not and professional farmers. Let's attract and not police people who care about farming, local foods, waters and soils! on Facebook Share I am not a chicken keeper but i'm all for it. I am not remotely worried about wells -- especially because the denser areas will be served by municipal water anyway. There are greater risks to water quality than chicken droppings that people spend money on to place on gardens anyway. Our groundwater has other, real threats that we could more wisely use our staff and shared tax dollars to address. My only real concern is proper fencing, to keep chickens reliably on their owners' properties. As for sound, hens are quiet, and a neighbourhood rooster could be shared: it becomes a pleasant part of life, much like the sound of trains. Letting Brant be rural by design could go a long way to mitigating conflicts between residents who do not and professional farmers. Let's attract and not police people who care about farming, local foods, waters and soils! on Twitter Share I am not a chicken keeper but i'm all for it. I am not remotely worried about wells -- especially because the denser areas will be served by municipal water anyway. There are greater risks to water quality than chicken droppings that people spend money on to place on gardens anyway. Our groundwater has other, real threats that we could more wisely use our staff and shared tax dollars to address. My only real concern is proper fencing, to keep chickens reliably on their owners' properties. As for sound, hens are quiet, and a neighbourhood rooster could be shared: it becomes a pleasant part of life, much like the sound of trains. Letting Brant be rural by design could go a long way to mitigating conflicts between residents who do not and professional farmers. Let's attract and not police people who care about farming, local foods, waters and soils! on Linkedin Email I am not a chicken keeper but i'm all for it. I am not remotely worried about wells -- especially because the denser areas will be served by municipal water anyway. There are greater risks to water quality than chicken droppings that people spend money on to place on gardens anyway. Our groundwater has other, real threats that we could more wisely use our staff and shared tax dollars to address. My only real concern is proper fencing, to keep chickens reliably on their owners' properties. As for sound, hens are quiet, and a neighbourhood rooster could be shared: it becomes a pleasant part of life, much like the sound of trains. Letting Brant be rural by design could go a long way to mitigating conflicts between residents who do not and professional farmers. Let's attract and not police people who care about farming, local foods, waters and soils! link

    I am not a chicken keeper but i'm all for it. I am not remotely worried about wells -- especially because the denser areas will be served by municipal water anyway. There are greater risks to water quality than chicken droppings that people spend money on to place on gardens anyway. Our groundwater has other, real threats that we could more wisely use our staff and shared tax dollars to address. My only real concern is proper fencing, to keep chickens reliably on their owners' properties. As for sound, hens are quiet, and a neighbourhood rooster could be shared: it becomes a pleasant part of life, much like the sound of trains. Letting Brant be rural by design could go a long way to mitigating conflicts between residents who do not and professional farmers. Let's attract and not police people who care about farming, local foods, waters and soils!

    hc asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback.

    Jessica Kitchen
    Planner
    County of Brant

  • Share Wondering the results as unable to attend. I understand concerns over perhaps numbers of hens allowed, the noise of rooster overlooking his ladies and property size. Im hoping that those of us with with decent (over 30x100 new development size) size lots, will be considered. Even if a one time (reasonable minimal cost ) association membership is needed of some sort. The benefits are many for us who want to be more self reliant. Thanks!! on Facebook Share Wondering the results as unable to attend. I understand concerns over perhaps numbers of hens allowed, the noise of rooster overlooking his ladies and property size. Im hoping that those of us with with decent (over 30x100 new development size) size lots, will be considered. Even if a one time (reasonable minimal cost ) association membership is needed of some sort. The benefits are many for us who want to be more self reliant. Thanks!! on Twitter Share Wondering the results as unable to attend. I understand concerns over perhaps numbers of hens allowed, the noise of rooster overlooking his ladies and property size. Im hoping that those of us with with decent (over 30x100 new development size) size lots, will be considered. Even if a one time (reasonable minimal cost ) association membership is needed of some sort. The benefits are many for us who want to be more self reliant. Thanks!! on Linkedin Email Wondering the results as unable to attend. I understand concerns over perhaps numbers of hens allowed, the noise of rooster overlooking his ladies and property size. Im hoping that those of us with with decent (over 30x100 new development size) size lots, will be considered. Even if a one time (reasonable minimal cost ) association membership is needed of some sort. The benefits are many for us who want to be more self reliant. Thanks!! link

    Wondering the results as unable to attend. I understand concerns over perhaps numbers of hens allowed, the noise of rooster overlooking his ladies and property size. Im hoping that those of us with with decent (over 30x100 new development size) size lots, will be considered. Even if a one time (reasonable minimal cost ) association membership is needed of some sort. The benefits are many for us who want to be more self reliant. Thanks!!

    Jacquie asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question and participation in this project.

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

    Council has not made a decision on the outcome of this project as of yet. Further information will be presented to Council, as requested to staff, at the May 14, 2024 Planning and Development Committee.

    We suggest subscribing to this page to remain informed as the project progresses. Future meeting dates and project materials will continue to be posted on this page as they become available.

    Jessica Kitchen
    Planner
    County of Brant

  • Share "A single chicken can produce upwards of 10lbs (4.5kg) of manure each month." I am wondering how residents would dispose of the manure generated. Would it go into our garbage collection? Could it be used safely as garden fertilizer? How much would be safe to use considering ecoli is a contaminant? on Facebook Share "A single chicken can produce upwards of 10lbs (4.5kg) of manure each month." I am wondering how residents would dispose of the manure generated. Would it go into our garbage collection? Could it be used safely as garden fertilizer? How much would be safe to use considering ecoli is a contaminant? on Twitter Share "A single chicken can produce upwards of 10lbs (4.5kg) of manure each month." I am wondering how residents would dispose of the manure generated. Would it go into our garbage collection? Could it be used safely as garden fertilizer? How much would be safe to use considering ecoli is a contaminant? on Linkedin Email "A single chicken can produce upwards of 10lbs (4.5kg) of manure each month." I am wondering how residents would dispose of the manure generated. Would it go into our garbage collection? Could it be used safely as garden fertilizer? How much would be safe to use considering ecoli is a contaminant? link

    "A single chicken can produce upwards of 10lbs (4.5kg) of manure each month." I am wondering how residents would dispose of the manure generated. Would it go into our garbage collection? Could it be used safely as garden fertilizer? How much would be safe to use considering ecoli is a contaminant?

    smartin asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your question and participation in this project.

    If approved by Council, requirements for the proper storing and disposal of chicken manure in residential areas of the County of Brant would need to form part of a future municipal regulatory By-Law to ensure manure is properly handled and help mitigate potential nuisance complaints. 

    The ability to safely work a small amount of chicken manure into soil on residential properties is being reviewed as part of this project. County Staff are communicating with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) for further guidance on whether chicken manure can be safely converted for residential fertilizer.

    Any unused manure exceeding 0.08 cubic metres (3 cubic feet) would need to be removed in accordance with the County’s Solid Waste Control By-Law 146-17. 

    The County’s Solid Waste Control By-Law 146-17 allows Animal Waste to be disposed of at the Biggars Lane Landfill or through the curbside collection program. A maximum of 25% of the total amount of waste, based on volume or weight, can be placed in a waste container/garbage bag for curbside collection. The maximum weight of a garbage bag/container for curbside collection is 45lbs. (20kg). This means 11.25lbs. (5kg) could be animal waste if the total weight does not exceed 45lbs. (20kg).

    Schedule B of By-Law 146-17 defines “waste container” and stipulates a maximum size of 125 L per container for curbside collection which means that roughly 31.25 L could consist of animal waste if the weight of animal waste is not greater than 25% of the overall weight. 

    Jessica Kitchen
    Planner
    County of Brant

  • Share Permitting chickens in residential urban areas is a huge mistake which will cause ongoing and expensive enforcement issues and lower adjacent property values. Chickens attract rats, I have seen this first hand and no amount of regulation will be sufficient enough or enforceable to avoid this inevitability. Toronto cancelled their program in the pilot phase for good reason. Brant needs to do the same before it starts. Raising chickens in agriculturally zoned areas is no problem, but in residential areas, it will be a huge problem. on Facebook Share Permitting chickens in residential urban areas is a huge mistake which will cause ongoing and expensive enforcement issues and lower adjacent property values. Chickens attract rats, I have seen this first hand and no amount of regulation will be sufficient enough or enforceable to avoid this inevitability. Toronto cancelled their program in the pilot phase for good reason. Brant needs to do the same before it starts. Raising chickens in agriculturally zoned areas is no problem, but in residential areas, it will be a huge problem. on Twitter Share Permitting chickens in residential urban areas is a huge mistake which will cause ongoing and expensive enforcement issues and lower adjacent property values. Chickens attract rats, I have seen this first hand and no amount of regulation will be sufficient enough or enforceable to avoid this inevitability. Toronto cancelled their program in the pilot phase for good reason. Brant needs to do the same before it starts. Raising chickens in agriculturally zoned areas is no problem, but in residential areas, it will be a huge problem. on Linkedin Email Permitting chickens in residential urban areas is a huge mistake which will cause ongoing and expensive enforcement issues and lower adjacent property values. Chickens attract rats, I have seen this first hand and no amount of regulation will be sufficient enough or enforceable to avoid this inevitability. Toronto cancelled their program in the pilot phase for good reason. Brant needs to do the same before it starts. Raising chickens in agriculturally zoned areas is no problem, but in residential areas, it will be a huge problem. link

    Permitting chickens in residential urban areas is a huge mistake which will cause ongoing and expensive enforcement issues and lower adjacent property values. Chickens attract rats, I have seen this first hand and no amount of regulation will be sufficient enough or enforceable to avoid this inevitability. Toronto cancelled their program in the pilot phase for good reason. Brant needs to do the same before it starts. Raising chickens in agriculturally zoned areas is no problem, but in residential areas, it will be a huge problem.

    dfm asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback.

    Jessica Kitchen
    Planner
    County of Brant

  • Share This is great! There's is no legitimate reason that backyard chickens can't be allowed in urban areas, as long as there are reasonable regulations in place. The people who worry about smelk clearly have only experienced factory farming or don't know how to properly maintain a coop. on Facebook Share This is great! There's is no legitimate reason that backyard chickens can't be allowed in urban areas, as long as there are reasonable regulations in place. The people who worry about smelk clearly have only experienced factory farming or don't know how to properly maintain a coop. on Twitter Share This is great! There's is no legitimate reason that backyard chickens can't be allowed in urban areas, as long as there are reasonable regulations in place. The people who worry about smelk clearly have only experienced factory farming or don't know how to properly maintain a coop. on Linkedin Email This is great! There's is no legitimate reason that backyard chickens can't be allowed in urban areas, as long as there are reasonable regulations in place. The people who worry about smelk clearly have only experienced factory farming or don't know how to properly maintain a coop. link

    This is great! There's is no legitimate reason that backyard chickens can't be allowed in urban areas, as long as there are reasonable regulations in place. The people who worry about smelk clearly have only experienced factory farming or don't know how to properly maintain a coop.

    Tdubz asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback.

    Jessica Kitchen
    Planner
    County of Brant

  • Share My comment is in relation to licensing and initial inspection and whether that is an overstep by the County. If the by-law stipulates setbacks, shelter requirements, size and location of a coop and property standards enforcement should be based on neighbour complaints. It would seem like a poor use of the enforcement body’s time to perform initial inspections and issue licenses when the people interested in pursuing this type of venture will likely follow rules and regulations closely. It’s a big cost to get started and I can’t imagine many people will haphazardly violate basic rules and risk losing the birds and a coop on a complaint. on Facebook Share My comment is in relation to licensing and initial inspection and whether that is an overstep by the County. If the by-law stipulates setbacks, shelter requirements, size and location of a coop and property standards enforcement should be based on neighbour complaints. It would seem like a poor use of the enforcement body’s time to perform initial inspections and issue licenses when the people interested in pursuing this type of venture will likely follow rules and regulations closely. It’s a big cost to get started and I can’t imagine many people will haphazardly violate basic rules and risk losing the birds and a coop on a complaint. on Twitter Share My comment is in relation to licensing and initial inspection and whether that is an overstep by the County. If the by-law stipulates setbacks, shelter requirements, size and location of a coop and property standards enforcement should be based on neighbour complaints. It would seem like a poor use of the enforcement body’s time to perform initial inspections and issue licenses when the people interested in pursuing this type of venture will likely follow rules and regulations closely. It’s a big cost to get started and I can’t imagine many people will haphazardly violate basic rules and risk losing the birds and a coop on a complaint. on Linkedin Email My comment is in relation to licensing and initial inspection and whether that is an overstep by the County. If the by-law stipulates setbacks, shelter requirements, size and location of a coop and property standards enforcement should be based on neighbour complaints. It would seem like a poor use of the enforcement body’s time to perform initial inspections and issue licenses when the people interested in pursuing this type of venture will likely follow rules and regulations closely. It’s a big cost to get started and I can’t imagine many people will haphazardly violate basic rules and risk losing the birds and a coop on a complaint. link

    My comment is in relation to licensing and initial inspection and whether that is an overstep by the County. If the by-law stipulates setbacks, shelter requirements, size and location of a coop and property standards enforcement should be based on neighbour complaints. It would seem like a poor use of the enforcement body’s time to perform initial inspections and issue licenses when the people interested in pursuing this type of venture will likely follow rules and regulations closely. It’s a big cost to get started and I can’t imagine many people will haphazardly violate basic rules and risk losing the birds and a coop on a complaint.

    TL asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for your comment. The rationale behind an initial inspection is to ensure compliance with the regulations prior to issuing a license. The authority to perform inspections is derived from the Municipal Act, 2001. While we do not anticipate residents will deliberately disobey the rules, an inspection would promote responsible ownership, address any regulatory deficiencies, and assist residents with questions or concerns. Licensing is also suggested to help track birds in the event of a possible disease or illness outbreak. If approved, licensing fees would be used to offset costs associated with processing applications and performing inspections. 

    Jessica Kitchen
    Planner
    County of Brant

Page last updated: 10 Apr 2024, 04:05 PM