Are Backyard Chickens allowed in Edmonton?

Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, is not only known for its stunning river valley and vibrant arts scene, but it also has a growing interest in sustainable living and urban agriculture. One of the more popular trends emerging in recent years is keeping backyard chickens. These feathered friends provide fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and offer educational opportunities for urban dwellers looking to connect with nature. Thanks to the city’s Urban Hens Program, residents are allowed to raise chickens in their own backyards, but there are strict guidelines to ensure that this activity is both safe and environmentally sustainable.

The program aims to balance the desire for urban food production with the need to maintain a livable and healthy environment for all residents. If you’re considering keeping chickens in your backyard in Edmonton, it’s important to understand the guidelines, application process, and other considerations to ensure that you comply with the city’s rules and regulations.

Urban Hens Program Overview

The Urban Hens Program allows Edmonton residents to keep hens in their backyard for personal use. Through this program, Edmonton aims to support urban agriculture, provide access to local, fresh eggs, and educate people about responsible hen-keeping practices. However, there are limitations on the number of hens you can have, and certain requirements must be met to ensure that the practice remains safe and non-disruptive to neighbors.

Participation in the program is available to homeowners in Edmonton who meet all the necessary conditions and obtain the appropriate permits. In general, the program is designed for urban, non-commercial use, meaning you can enjoy fresh eggs but cannot sell them for profit.

Eligibility

Edmonton residents are eligible to participate in the Urban Hens Program if they meet the following basic criteria:

• Must reside in a single-detached home (no apartments or condos allowed) within the City of Edmonton.
• Must have a suitable backyard that meets all the space and fencing requirements outlined by the city.
• Must complete an approved urban hen-keeping course that covers basic care, coop management, and the city’s regulations.
• Must apply for and obtain a Hen Keeping Licence from the City of Edmonton.

Application Process

The application process to raise hens in Edmonton consists of several important steps. It’s crucial that you follow each step carefully to ensure that you meet all of the city’s requirements and receive the necessary approvals. Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved:

1. Complete an Approved Course

Before you can apply for a Hen Keeping Licence, you must complete an introductory urban hen-keeping course. This course covers the basics of caring for hens, maintaining a healthy coop, and understanding the rules around urban hen keeping in Edmonton. The course is designed to help you learn how to properly care for your hens and prevent any issues related to noise, odors, or health concerns. It’s essential that all applicants complete this course to ensure they are equipped to manage their new pets responsibly.

2. Notify Neighbors

One of the key components of the application process is notifying your neighbors about your plans to keep hens in your backyard. Before submitting your application, you must inform the property owners of all the properties adjacent to yours (both sides and behind). This gives your neighbors an opportunity to raise any concerns or objections with the City of Edmonton. Neighbors have two weeks from the date of notification to voice their concerns, and if no objections are raised, you can proceed with the application. If objections are raised, the City will work with you and your neighbors to find a solution.

3. Obtain a Provincial Premise ID

Once your neighbors have been notified and no significant objections are raised, the next step is to obtain a Provincial Premise Identification (Premise ID) number. This registration is required by the Alberta government to track livestock movements in the province. It is a crucial part of the biosecurity system to prevent the spread of disease and other issues related to animal health. You can obtain a Premise ID by contacting the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

4. Apply for a Hen Keeping Licence

After completing the course and obtaining your Premise ID, you can submit an application for a Hen Keeping Licence to the City of Edmonton. The application must include:

• A site plan showing where the hen coop and chicken run will be located on your property.
• Details about your proposed hen-keeping setup, including the number of hens, coop dimensions, and plans for securing the chickens from predators.
• Any necessary development permits if you are making changes to your property (e.g., building a chicken coop or fencing). A development permit may not be required if no structural changes are made.

Coop and Run Requirements

Once you’ve submitted your application and received your licence, you can begin setting up your backyard chicken coop. However, there are strict guidelines on the design, location, and size of your coop and run to ensure that both your hens and your neighbors are kept safe and comfortable. Here are the main requirements for chicken coops in Edmonton:

Location

Your coop and chicken run must be located in your backyard within a fully fenced property. You must have a minimum amount of space to meet the city’s guidelines for urban agriculture. Additionally, your backyard should be free from hazards that might endanger the hens, such as toxic plants or predators.

Size

The City of Edmonton allows you to keep a maximum of six hens on your property. Your backyard chicken setup must include a secure coop where the hens can sleep and lay eggs, as well as an outdoor run for them to exercise. Each hen should have enough space to move around comfortably. The minimum required space is 0.37 square meters (4 square feet) per hen inside the coop, and at least 0.93 square meters (10 square feet) of outdoor space per hen in the chicken run.

Setbacks

Your chicken coop must be located a minimum of:

• 0.9 meters (3 feet) from your side property lines.
• 18 meters (59 feet) from your front property line.
• 0.6 meters (2 feet) from your rear property line.

This ensures that your chickens are safely contained while minimizing any potential disruptions to neighbors.

Fencing

To prevent your chickens from escaping or being preyed upon by local wildlife, your chicken coop and run must be securely fenced. The fence should be at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) high and made of materials that prevent chickens from flying over or burrowing under the fence. It’s important that the fencing be in good condition and regularly maintained to ensure the safety of your flock.

Additional Considerations

When raising hens in Edmonton, there are a few other key considerations to keep in mind to ensure you remain compliant with the city’s regulations and that your chickens live happy, healthy lives:

Winter Restrictions

The City of Edmonton does not issue Hen Keeping Licences between November and March. This is to ensure that your hens are not exposed to the harsh winter conditions. However, you can still prepare for the spring by applying for your licence, building your coop, and taking care of any permits. If you already have hens, it’s important to ensure they have a proper shelter to keep them warm during the winter months.

No Roosters

Under the Urban Hens Program, only hens are allowed—roosters are prohibited. Roosters can be noisy and disruptive, especially in an urban environment, and the City of Edmonton aims to minimize any noise complaints from neighbors. So, while you can keep hens for egg production, keeping a rooster for breeding or other purposes is not permitted.

Business Restrictions

The program is intended for personal use only, meaning you cannot sell eggs or other poultry products produced by your hens. The goal is to encourage urban agriculture and provide fresh eggs for household consumption, rather than for commercial purposes. If you want to sell eggs, you would need to apply for a different type of permit and meet specific zoning and health regulations.

Summary

Edmonton’s Urban Hens Program offers a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage in urban agriculture and produce their own fresh eggs. By following the application process, meeting the city’s requirements for coop design and location, and understanding the rules around hen-keeping, you can enjoy the benefits of raising chickens in your backyard. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced poultry keeper, this program provides valuable resources to help you succeed in your urban farming efforts. The program not only helps promote sustainable living but also strengthens the community by fostering a connection with food production and animal care.