Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?

Backyard hens & livestock — Brantford, Ontario

In the City of Brantford, Ontario, hens permitted: True; max hens: Up to a maximum of 10 chickens; roosters prohibited: False; livestock rule: Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, mules require property assessed as farm lands and used only for farm purposes.. Source: Animal Control By-law, Municipal Code Chapter 206 - Chickens Keeping (By-law 101-2022), verified 2026-08-28.

Animal Control By-law, Municipal Code Chapter 206 - Chickens Keeping (By-law 101-2022) adopted bylaw

hens permitted	True	206.10.1
max hens	Up to a maximum of 10 chickens	206.10.2
roosters prohibited	False	206.10.2(b)
livestock rule	Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, mules require property assessed as farm lands and used only for farm purposes.	206.4.2
permit or licence	Permit from City of Brantford required. Fees per By-Law 52-2021	206.10.1
setback	no less than 7.5m from structures on other lots; 7.5 metres from dwelling units not occupied by owner	206.10.3(b); 206.11.1

scout note

Permits up to 10 chickens (max 1 rooster) with a permit; coop must be 7.5m+ from structures on other lots and not in front/exterior side yard. Same chapter also caps rabbits at 5 and requires a permit for keeping pigeons.