Background:
In 2015, Council received a deputation from a resident encouraging the Town to regulate backyard hens. On February 8, 2016, Council endorsed a 12 month pilot project in Ward 2 for up to five (5) residential properties, effective March 1, 2016.
Current Status of the By-law:
On June 6, 2017, Council expanded the pilot project making it town-wide and amended the Animal Control By-law to remove chickens from the prohibited animals list.
Regulations:
- An application must be submitted to the Town for approval with required documentation;
- A maximum of three hens per lot is permitted on any residential property (excludes Multi-Residential);
- All hens must be at least four months old;
- The keeping of roosters is prohibited;
- A tenant must obtain permission from the property owner to keep hens on the owner's property;
- Permission must be obtained from all abutting property owners;
- The owner of the hens must reside on the property where the hens are kept;
- Hens must be kept in their coops from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.;
- A minimum enclosure size of 10 square feet per hen;
- Hens must be kept in an enclosed hen run when not in their coop;
- Hen coops and runs shall be a distance of 1.2m from the rear lot line and 1.2m from any side lot line of the dwelling lot on which the hen coop is located;
- Hen coops and hen runs shall be a minimum distance of 3m from all windows and doors of dwellings that are located on an abutting property;
- Hen coops shall be less than 2.4m in height;
- Hen coops are not permitted in any front yard;
- Hen coops and hen runs shall be maintained in a clean condition and the coop shall be kept free of obnoxious odours, substances and vermin; and
- Home slaughter of hens is prohibited and any deceased hens shall be disposed of at a livestock disposal facility or through the services of a veterinarian
Applications
Application for the Keeping of Egg Laying Hens
Neighbour Authorization Form - Keeping of Egg Laying Hens
Additional Information
Legislative Services Information Report 2017-08 - Backyard Hens Pilot Project Update
By-law 2017-34 - A By-law to Amend By-law Number 2016-53 (Animal Control By-law)
Urban Hens Pilot Project - Ward 2 - PIC Document
Corporate Services - Legislative Services Report 2016-04 regarding Ward 2 Egg Laying Hens Pilot Project
For more information, please contact the Licensing Division at licensing@newmarket.ca or by telephone at 905-953-5300 ext. 2221.