Staff in Prince Edward County want some public consultation before they make a recommendation regarding backyard hens to council.
Councillors earlier this year asked staff to look into the matter to facilitate a program that would support existing flocks and new operations.
Currently the raising of backyard hens is not permitted outside of rural areas in the County and a zoning by-law amendment would be required.
Staff have a draft by-law that addresses the use of backyard hens, establishes setbacks and size restrictions for hen coops, and regulates the care and control of backyard hens.
The draft by-law states the number of hens on one property would be six.
Councillor Phil St-Jean said he felt four was a more appropriate number and wanted to see abutting neighbours give permission for backyard hens.
Councillor Phil Prinzen noted people don’t ask their neighbours if they can get a dog and he felt seeking the permission was unnecessary as six chickens would be much quieter than a dog.
Staff will take councillors’ concerns and rework the draft by-law before it goes to the public for consultation.
The City of Quinte West allows for a maximum of four hens per lot and no roosters on single detached lots with a lot size of 0.4 hectares (0.988 acre).
The City of Belleville currently does not allow backyard hens but is reviewing this issue during their Official Plan review.
Staff would bring forward a by-law for consideration no later than November.
