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City of Orillia's Backyard Hen Program
In response to requests by residents, and in the interest of encouraging local food production, the City of Orillia has permanently established a Licensing By-law to allow for the keeping of backyard hens on qualifying properties throughout the City. The backyard Hen Program started as a 6-year pilot project. After a successful run of the pilot project, Council permanently established the program on April 3, 2023.
How to Apply
Hen Coop Licence Applications must be made in person and require the following:
- Payment of fee $100.
- Submission of the Application Form (see below), including:
- a Site Plan, showing the location of proposed Hen Coop on your property (see Sample Site Plan);
- a Declaration confirming that you have reviewed and will abide by the Regulations and the information contained in the Resource Sheet.
- Submit the completed Application to the City's Legislative Services Division at 50 Andrew Street South, Orillia, L3V 7T5.
Contact the Legislative Services Division at 705-325-2313 for more information.
Details of the Program
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Hen Coops will be permitted on properties with lot sizes of 500 sq.m (5,382 sq.ft) or greater within the Rural Zone (RU), certain Residential Zones (R1, R2, R3, R4), Parkland and Open Space Zones (OS1, OS2) and Institutional Zone (I1).
- Licensed hen coops are not permitted on properties within a Source Water Protection Area.
Application and Information
Below you will find the application form and related information to assist you with your proposed hen coop. Please note that a site plan has to be included with your application, a sample of which can be found below. If you are unsure if your property meets the required lot size of 500 sq.m (5,382 sq.ft) or greater, and the required zoning classification of Rural Zone (RU), certain Residential Zones (R1, R2, R3, R4), Parkland and Open Space Zones (OS1, OS2) and Institutional Zone (I1), please contact the City of Orillia Planning Division at 705-325-2622, or by email to planning@orillia.ca.
Application for Hen Coop Licence
Other Resources for Backyard Hen Owners
The City provides this resource list impartially, for convenience only. The City does not intend or believe that this resource list is exhaustive, and the City does not have any knowledge and makes no representations and gives no warranties as to the suitability, quality or accuracy of any information, products or services in any way published or publicized directly or indirectly through the sites listed here.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Small Flock Poultry
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