Seeking Public Feedback Regarding the Keeping of Backyard Hens
"Backyard hens" within this survey refers to keeping female chickens on properties not traditionally meant for farming to provide food for personal use. Some examples of these properties could include properties within village settings, waterfront properties, and properties with undersized lots.
In the survey, we will ask questions about allowing backyard hens in 3 different Zones (Residential Rural, Residential, and Waterfront Residential) on different property sizes and distances to neighbours.
Currently, only properties with "Rural" Zoning are allowed to keep any type of livestock, including Hens. Recently, the Council directed staff to collect public feedback regarding the keeping of backyard hens on properties with other Zonings.
As a GENERAL rule (there are some exceptions), any property that is over 15 acres is zoned as "Rural", any property less than 15 acres that are outside of a village area is zoned as "Residential Rural," and any property less than 15 acres in a village area is zoned as "Residential." If you want information about your property's zoning or have any other questions about By-Laws, the Municipality's Zoning By-Law or this survey, don't hesitate to get in touch with sebbs@sebbs.ca or call 705-507-1177, option 1.
This information will be collected and presented to the Council by the end of 2024 for their review. It will inform any future decisions regarding implementing a new by-law or changes to existing by-laws.