By-laws in force from earlier years

Allows residents to keep hens in their yards with a yearly permit and sets care rules.

By-law 2020-041: Backyard Chicken Permit By-law

Purpose

By-law 2020-041: Backyard Chicken Permit By-law lets you keep hens in your backyard if you follow a few simple rules. It was passed by Council on March 23, 2020 and took effect on April 1, 2020. The goal is to let residents enjoy fresh eggs while keeping neighbourhoods clean and quiet.

Main rules

Here is what you need to know if you want to keep hens:

  • You must apply for and pay for a yearly permit from the City.
  • You can keep up to four hens on a residential lot. Roosters are not allowed.
  • Your coop must be at least ten metres from your property line and any neighbouring home.
  • The coop needs to be clean, dry and pest-free. You must keep bedding material fresh and remove manure regularly.
  • Hens must have access to clean water and feed at all times.

Who it applies to

This by-law applies to anyone living in a residential zone in Wrenford. If you own a home on a lot zoned for residential use, you can apply for a permit as long as your property meets the space and setback rules above.

Amendments and repeals

This by-law amends the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 2018-063 to include poultry among the animals allowed on private property.

Fines

If you keep hens without a permit or break the rules in this by-law, you could face a fine of up to $500.00 for a first offence under the Provincial Offences Act. Repeat violations can lead to higher fines and the City may revoke your permit.

Where to get a copy

A certified copy of this by-law is available from the City Clerk's office. You can visit us at Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1, or call 519-555-0100 during business hours. You can also find it through our online by-law search.

Backyard Chicken Permit By-law 2020-041 works alongside other animal rules in Wrenford. See Animal bylaws and regulations for more on how the City manages animals in our neighbourhoods, and Animal control services for information on reporting issues or applying for permits.