Without ruffled feathers or a single cackle, Champlain Township council adopted changes to its backyard hen bylaw on Wednesday, October 22.
The adopted changes allow more hens and less restrictions for lots with an area of two acres or larger, and for properties zoned RU (rural) and AG (agricultural that are less than two hectares (five acres). These lots will not be exempt from the bylaw, but up to 10 hens will be allowed on the property instead of the current limit of four. The two metre limit on the height of the chicken coop is now removed, and the requirement to choose a location for the coop which limits visual impact is also removed. The changes also allow township staff to remove the requirement to have hens kept in their coop or outdoor run.
A report prepared by Consulting Planner Morgan Jones emphasizes there still remains a significant difference between residential areas, and properties and agricultural areas and properties. Jones’ report says exempting lots of two acres or more and properties zoned RU and AG that are less than two hectares from the backyard hen by-law and licencing process could result in certain residential properties becoming overused for hens and becoming more agricultural in nature.
The original backyard hen pilot program in Champlain came into effect in 2023 after public consultation and engagement with staff and the public.
The changes adopted by council on October 22 were approved without any discussion.
