Backyard Hens in the Municipality of French River

"Backyard hens" within this survey refers to the keeping of 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 under-sized lots.

In the survey, we will be asking questions about allowing backyard hens in 3 different Zones (Residential Rural, Residential, and Waterfront Residential) on different property sizes and distances to neighbours.

Currently in the Municipality, only properties with "Rural" Zoning are allowed to keep any type of livestock, including Hens. Recently, Council has 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 is 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 would like information about your property's zoning, or have any other questions about By-Laws, the Municipality's Zoning By-Law or this survey, please contact: sebbs@sebbs.ca or call: 705-507-1177, option 1.

This information will be collected and presented to Council by the end of 2024 for their review and will inform any future decisions regarding the implementation of a new by-law or changes to existing by-laws.