Urban Hens and Backyard Chickens

In 2021, Town of Halton Hills Council voted in favour of allowing residents to keep up to four backyard hens in urban areas where the approved regulations can be adhered to. The keeping of Urban Hens requires commitment to becoming educated about how hens must be cared for to ensure that they are kept in a manner that protects animal welfare and public health.

Enforcement of the provisions fall under the responsibility of the Town’s Canine Control Contractor as enforcing the Responsible Pet Owner’s By-law is the primary function of the service. Eligible residents are required to complete an application form and pay a licensing fee.

Applying to keep urban hens will result in your property being inspected by a municipal by-law enforcement officer to ensure compliance prior to a license being issued. Also, properties with licenses to keep urban hens are subject to inspection at any reasonable time by a municipal law enforcement officer for the purposes of investigating a complaint and/or to ensure compliance with the by-law.

Benefits of having Urban Hens

There are many rewarding reasons for keeping backyard/urban hens. Hens are exciting animals with a lot to offer to their owner(s) and to the environment. In the past, these birds have had a reputation for attracting rodents and creating unwanted noise and odours. That is why if you are thinking about keeping hens, you should explore and examine as much information as you can prior to making a decision on whether or not keeping hens is a fit for you and/or your family.

There are several benefits to keeping hens - here are just a few:

They will save you money
They produce more nutritious eggs
They take care of unwanted pests, ticks and other unwanted insects
They will eat your food scraps
They help create good fertilizer/compost for your garden
They are great pets
They are healthier and happier in your yard

Education and Helpful Resources

Regulations

Town Council has approved the keeping of Urban Hens. To learn more about the regulations please view the By-law requirements here.

Application

Apply to have urban hens

Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Do other municipalities allow backyard hens?

Yes, many municipalities including Brampton, Edmonton, Guelph, Kitchener, Mississauga, Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria have either implemented a pilot program or a full urban chicken program.
What is the intent of the proposed by-law?
The proposed regulations were written to permit property owners within an urban setting to keep backyard hens with significant consideration given to animal welfare and public health. Additional provisions were added to address possible concerns from neighbouring property owners.
Would the regulations apply to all properties within the municipal boundary or only certain residential zones?
The proposed regulations are for all properties within Halton Hills that can comply with the regulations ie: setbacks from lot line.
Is there a complaint threshold on which the Town would consider taking action against a specific owner?
A limit on the number of complaints a property can receive is not part of the regulations currently. So in other words, there is no “three strikes and you’re out” process in place. Enforcement staff will investigate each complaint and through the investigation process, the officer will determine what next steps or action taken needs to be. Ie: warning, written notice of violation.
How does the Town’s current noise by-law apply to the keeping of hens?

The Town of Halton Hills Noise By-law 2010-0030 does not currently address noise from hens. However, in the proposed regulations, there is a provision that requires owners to keep hens inside the chicken coop between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Keeping the hens inside the coop will reduce and/or prevent noise during those hours.
How will the Town handle complaints? 

The proposed regulations require owners to keep their hens in a manner that does not cause a nuisance to adjacent neighbours.

Any complaint received with respect to the keeping of hens will be thoroughly investigated by Town staff. Any violations or concerns observed will be addressed with the property owner through discussion (education component), verbal warning or written notice of violation.

Repeat instances of non-compliance may result in property owners facing additional measures to ensure the regulations are complied with. Ie: fines and/or court action.
What about cleanliness issues, how will the Town ensure hen coops are kept clean?

The proposed regulations require hen owners to regularly clean the coops as well as disinfect the coop a minimum of two times annually. The proposed regulations further require hen owners to maintain their coops in a clean and sanitary condition and be kept free of obnoxious odours or substances and vermin.
Will complaints be kept anonymous?

Regarding enforcement matters, all complainant information is kept confidential and is protected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Therefore, a complainant is not identified through the investigation process.
What is the difference between a permit and a license?

Licenses are more general, granting permission to do something or use something. Permits are usually given for safety issues, like health permits, and may require an inspection before they are granted.
Will there be exceptions?

No, exceptions to the program requirements will not be granted.
How do people humanely dispose of sick or old chickens?

Hen owners should seek professional services to deal with a sick or old chicken such as a veterinarian or a mobile abattoir (where available).
Where can I find copies of the survey results and proposed regulations?

All of the information is available on the project page: Letstalkhaltonhills.ca

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