Are Chickens Allowed in Lethbridge, Alberta?

BySusan Medlin

If you’re considering keeping chickens in Lethbridge, the short answer is: not under the current bylaws. As of early 2025, poultry (including backyard hens) are still prohibited within city limits under existing rules. However, there’s active discussion and movement toward allowing a pilot program. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current situation, what is changing, and what you need to watch for.

What the Law Says Right Now

  • A bylaw called Bylaw 3383, which dates back many years, currently prohibits raising poultry within the City of Lethbridge.
  • A new law called Animal Care and Control Bylaw (Bylaw 6475) was approved by City Council and comes into effect May 1, 2025. Even with this new bylaw, poultry remains prohibited under standard residential zoning.
  • The new bylaw includes provisions for a permit process for a potential urban hen program, but as of its effective date, no pilot or program has been fully enacted.

What’s Changing & What’s Being Proposed

There has been significant community interest and activism around allowing backyard hens in Lethbridge. Some of the proposals and discussions include:

  • Local groups such as the Citizens of Lethbridge Urban Chicken Club (CLUCC) are pushing for a pilot project to allow up to 4 hens per residential property.
  • The new bylaw (6475) explicitly mentions a potential urban hen program, meaning they have left open the possibility to change the prohibition under controlled conditions.
  • Public consultation phases have been conducted. Feedback gathered includes concerns about coop size, noise (especially with roosters), proximity to neighbors, and the number of hens.

What You Should Know If You Want Chickens in Lethbridge

If you’re thinking about keeping chickens in Lethbridge, here are some things to consider, especially since rules may change soon:

  • Check your zoning: Most urban residential zones currently do not allow poultry. If you’re outside city limits or on a rural zone, different rules may apply.
  • Follow the pilot program developments: Once proposals are adopted, there may be rules about number of hens allowed, coop setbacks, whether roosters are permitted, nuisance control, etc.
  • Don’t assume it’s legal yet: Until the city formally permits urban hens via a bylaw amendment or pilot project, keeping chickens in an urban property could lead to bylaw enforcement issues.
  • Get involved: Community groups are active. Public feedback can influence how the pilot is structured (e.g. maximum hens, coop size, distance from neighbors).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep just hens (no roosters)?

Currently, since poultry is prohibited city-wide in residential areas, even hens are not allowed. Any future urban hen program is expected to allow only hens (no roosters), based on proposal discussions and community input.

How many chickens might be allowed under a pilot program?

Proposals under discussion suggest up to 4 hens per residential property.

When will the rules change?

The new Animal Care and Control Bylaw 6475 is already in effect (as of May 1, 2025) and includes language about a permit process. However, as of that date, poultry is still prohibited and no pilot urban hen program has been approved. Change timelines depend on council decisions and bylaw amendments.

What are the risks if I try to keep chickens now?

You could be in violation of existing bylaw (Bylaw 3383) if your property is within city limits and you don’t have explicit approval. That might trigger enforcement or a fine. Neighbours may complain. It’s safer to wait until rules are clarified or amended.

Summary

  • Currently, keeping chickens (poultry) is not allowed in urban/residential zones of Lethbridge under existing bylaws.
  • The new Animal Care and Control Bylaw 6475 (effective May 1, 2025) introduces a pathway for possibly permitting urban hens via a “permit process / pilot program”, but that has not yet been operationalized.
  • If or when permitted, things to expect: hens only (no roosters), limited number of birds (proposals suggest ~4 hens), coop/run size and setbacks, neighbor considerations, licensing or permit requirements.
  • If you want to keep chickens, you’d do best to stay updated via Lethbridge city notices, engage with local groups, and ensure you follow any pilot projects or bylaws once they pass.

What To Do Next

Here are steps you can take if you’re interested in keeping chickens in Lethbridge:

  • Watch city council meeting agendas for the implementation of the urban hen permit/pilot program.
  • Join or connect with local groups like the Citizens of Lethbridge Urban Chicken Club (CLUCC) to stay informed and help advocate.
  • Check your property’s zoning and whether any bylaw amendments apply. If rural or agricultural zoning, different rules may apply.
  • If a pilot program is launched, make sure you get any required permit, comply with coop/run requirements, maintain your chickens lawfully, and avoid nuisance issues.

Conclusion

As of May 2025, chickens are not legally allowed in residential areas of Lethbridge under current bylaws. That said, the city’s new Animal Care and Control Bylaw has opened the door for a possible urban hens program in the future. Proposals suggest that residents might be able to keep a small number of egg-laying hens under defined conditions (hens only, coop size, setbacks, etc.).

If keeping chickens is something you want, the best move is to monitor what the city council decides, participate in public feedback, and plan ahead so you’re ready if/when the opportunity arises.