Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?
In the Town of Bassano, Alberta, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Bassano Urban Hen Bylaw No. 957/26, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: up to six (6) urban hens. Livestock rule: Agricultural operations, including keeping livestock, are neither a permitted or discretionary use in the Urban Area. Setback: Minimum 3.0m (9.84 ft.) from a dwelling; 1.2m (4.0 ft.) from a side yard; 1.5m (5.0 ft.) from the rear yard.
Town of Bassano Urban Hen Bylaw No. 957/26
adopted bylaw
hens permitted
yes
s. 4.2
max hens
up to six (6) urban hens
s. 4.2
roosters prohibited
yes
s. 3.1(a)
livestock rule
Agricultural operations, including keeping livestock, are neither a permitted or discretionary use in the Urban Area.
s. 2.11
permit or licence
Urban Hen License required; annual fee Thirty Dollars ($30.00) with proof of education, Fifty Dollars ($50.00) without proof of education; Premises Identification Number required within 30 days.
s. 4.2(b)-(c); Schedule "B"
setback
Minimum 3.0m (9.84 ft.) from a dwelling; 1.2m (4.0 ft.) from a side yard; 1.5m (5.0 ft.) from the rear yard.
s. 5.1(b)(ii), (iv)
scout note
3-year pilot: no roosters; up to 6 hens per licensed property, max 20 licences town-wide; annual fee $30 (with hen-keeping course) or $50 (without); coop max 9.2m2/2m height. Outside this program, keeping livestock/hens in urban areas remains prohibited.
Town of Bassano Land Use Bylaw No. 921/21 - Section 9 Livestock
Keeping livestock or wild animals in Town is only permitted where approved as Extensive Agriculture/Animal Care Service by development permit, or under the Animal Control Bylaw - i.e. barred on ordinary residential lots outside the hen pilot.