Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?
In the Municipality of Trent Hills, Ontario, hens permitted: True; max hens: Six (6) hens; livestock rule: Livestock permitted on lots under 8 hectares in Rural, Agricultural, Rural Residential, Special Rural Residential, and Shoreline Residential zones.; permit or licence: Application for authorization required annually; no fee stated. Source: By-law 2018-078, Amend Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-105 With Respect to Livestock on Smaller Rural Properties; Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-105 (March 2026 Office Consolidation) - Livestock/Chickens on Small Lots, verified 2026-08-29.
By-law 2018-078, Amend Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-105 With Respect to Livestock on Smaller Rural Properties
adopted bylaw
hens permitted
True
s. 5.16.1: "Six (6) hens may be kept on a parcel Zoned Rural Residential"
max hens
Six (6) hens
s. 5.16.1: "Six (6) hens may be kept on a parcel"
livestock rule
Livestock permitted on lots under 8 hectares in Rural, Agricultural, Rural Residential, Special Rural Residential, and Shoreline Residential zones.
s. 5.16(a): "Livestock may be permitted on lots less than eight (8) hectares"
permit or licence
Application for authorization required annually; no fee stated
s. 5.16.2(a)(b): "submit an application for authorization" and "annual application for renewal"
setback
7.5 metres from side and rear property lines for chickens; 100 metres from neighbouring dwelling for manure/animal areas; 8 metres to abutting property line
s. 5.16.1 (7.5 m); s. 5.16(c)(iii) (100 m); s. 5.16(c)(iv) (8 m)
scout note
Zoning amendment permitting six hens on a 0.4-hectare lot in Rural Residential, Special Rural Residential or Shoreline Residential zones (fenced enclosure, not in front yard, 7.5m side/rear setback); also sets lot-size and setback rules for rabbits, sheep, cattle and horses on rural lots.
Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-105 (March 2026 Office Consolidation) - Livestock/Chickens on Small Lots
adopted bylaw
hens permitted
True
s. 5.18.2 "Six (6) hens may be kept on a parcel"
max hens
Six (6) hens
s. 5.18.2 "Six (6) hens may be kept"
livestock rule
Livestock permitted on lots under 8 ha in Rural, Agricultural, Rural Residential, Special Rural Residential, Shoreline Residential zones; density and setback requirements apply.
s. 5.18(a)
permit or licence
Application for authorization required to Planning Department; annual renewal required; no fee stated in document.
s. 5.18.3(a)(b) "submit an application for authorization to the Planning Department"
setback
Chickens (s. 5.18.2): 7.5 m from side and rear property lines; not in front yard. General livestock areas: 8 m to abutting property line; livestock buildings: 15 m from side and rear property lines; 100 m separation from any neighbouring dwelling.
s. 5.18.2; s. 5.18(c)(iii)(iv)(v)
scout note
Section 5.18 permits livestock on lots under eight hectares in the Rural, Agricultural, Rural Residential, Special Rural Residential and Shoreline Residential zones. Small livestock (rabbits, chickens, turkeys, geese and similar) require a minimum lot of 0.8 hectares with 0.4 hectares of pasture; any area holding animals or storing manure must be at least 100 metres from a neighbouring dwelling and