Backyard Chickens

Following robust public consultation, Springwater Council has endorsed a Backyard Chicken Pilot Program. A temporary use by-law and licensing by-law regulating ‘Backyard Chickens’ will be prepared for Council’s consideration and will provide regulations such as the number of chickens permitted, prohibitions (i.e. no roosters), lot size requirements, cleanliness and coop requirements.

A Council Workshop will take place on March 30 at 10 am to review the temporary use by-law and licensing requirements. A Public Meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on March 30. 

Background information

Currently, our Official Plan and Zoning By-law require all new livestock uses, including chickens, to be located on agriculturally zoned properties. Those properties must have a minimum lot area of 35 hectares (86.5 acres) and are subject to a Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) formula to mitigate offsite impacts. Backyard chickens on non-farm lots in Springwater are prohibited outright and enforced by the Township’s By-law Department.

If the Township changes the way in which backyard chickens are regulated, amendments to the Township’s land use documents and Animal Control By-law would be required.

Reports to Council

• February 5, 2020
• September 18, 2019
• July 3, 2019