What is an urban chicken licence?
The City of Wrenford allows residents to keep up to four hens in their backyard under the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 2018-063. This licence lets you enjoy fresh eggs for your family while keeping your neighbours happy.
Rules and limits
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
- A maximum of four hens is allowed per property. Roosters are strictly prohibited.
- Chickens must be at least 16 weeks old (pullets) when acquired.
- Hens are for personal use only. You cannot sell eggs or animals.
- All birds must stay in a secure coop or run at all times.
Coop and run requirements
Your chickens need a safe, dry, and well-ventilated home. The City requires specific dimensions to keep the birds healthy and to prevent odour or noise issues.
- Indoor space: at least 0.4 square metres per hen.
- Outdoor run: at least 0.9 square metres per hen, fully enclosed with wire mesh.
- Setbacks: the coop must sit at least 0.6 metres from any property line.
- Maximum size: you can build a coop and run up to 10 square metres without a building permit. If you plan to go larger, you must apply for a building permit through Planning & Development first.
Make sure your coop has roosting bars, nest boxes, a feeder, and proper ventilation. Avoid heat lamps, as they are a fire hazard. You may use an extension cord from your house to power a safe heated waterer in winter, but you do not need an electrical permit for that.
Training and provincial registration
Before you buy your first hen, you must complete an introductory urban hen-keeping course. The City accepts certificates from approved local training providers. You will also need a free Premises Identification (PID) number from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This federal registration tracks livestock and poultry for animal health purposes.
How to apply
Applications are accepted year-round. You can apply online or by calling 311. You must submit the following documents with your application:
- A signed site plan showing the exact location and dimensions of your coop and run on your property.
- A housing diagram or photo showing the interior setup of your coop.
- A copy of your completed hen-keeping course certificate.
- A free PID number confirmation from the CFIA.
- Written permission from the property owner if you are a tenant.
- A declaration form agreeing to keep the birds humanely and manage waste properly.
- The name and contact details of a local veterinarian who can treat livestock.
- A rehoming contact name and address outside of Wrenford, in case you can no longer care for your hens.
Once you submit your application, City staff will review it for completeness. Incomplete applications will be closed. Your file will then go to By-law Enforcement for a site review and final approval. This process takes up to 30 days.
Getting your licence
If your application is approved, you will receive an email with your licence. The annual fee is $75.00. You can pay online, by phone, or in person at Wrenford City Hall. You must pay before you purchase your hens. Once licensed, City staff may conduct random checks to ensure your coop remains in good repair and matches your approved site plan.
Questions?
Contact the Business Licensing team for help with your application or to learn more about backyard farming rules.
Call 311 or 519-555-0100. Email [email protected]. Visit Room 206, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1.