Public Consultation - Draft Backyard Chicken By-law

On Monday March 23, 2026, North Dumfries Council authorized staff to initiate a Public Consultation process regarding a proposed new Backyard Chicken By-law.  Currently, Backyard Chickens are not permitted on Residentially Zoned properties within North Dumfries.

The draft By-law as it is written proposes:

1.       No more than 4 chickens on a property under 2 acres and no more than 10 chickens on a property over 2 acres in a residential zone;

2.       No roosters permitted;

3.       Size regulations of the chicken coop and run;

4.       Setback requirements from lot lines and residential buildings;

5.       No sales of eggs, meat or manure;

6.       Annual inspection and permit for each residence where a backyard chicken venture is advanced;

7.       Only one coop and run per property;

8.       No slaughter of chickens on the property;

9.       Chickens are not permitted to run at large on residential property; and,

10.   An annual permit fee of $80

View the Staff Report from March 23, 2026.

Staff are seeking public input on the draft By-law to assist in accurately responding to the community.  A report with any comments will be brought back to Council on June 1, 2026. Staff will be presenting a new Backyard Chickens By-law for Council’s review and consideration at that time.

Please submit any comments, or questions regarding the Backyard Chickens By-law review to the Township Clerk (clerk@northdumfries.ca) or call Jeremey Ludwig at 519-632-8800 ext. 121. The deadline to submit comments is May 15, 2026.