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

Backyard hens & livestock — Duchess, Alberta: Village of Duchess Bylaw 531-25 (Urban Hen Bylaw)

In the Village of Duchess, Alberta, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Village of Duchess Bylaw 531-25 (Urban Hen Bylaw), verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: up to SIX (6) urban hens. Livestock rule: Agricultural operations, including but not limited to the keeping of livestock, are neither a permitted or discretionary use under Bylaws of the Town. Permit or licence: Urban Hen License required; annual urban hen license fee of Forty Dollars ($40.00); Premises Identification Number required (no fee stated).

Village of Duchess Bylaw 531-25 (Urban Hen Bylaw) 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 but not limited to the keeping of livestock, are neither a permitted or discretionary use under Bylaws of the Town.	s. 2.11
permit or licence	Urban Hen License required; annual urban hen license fee of Forty Dollars ($40.00); Premises Identification Number required (no fee stated)	s. 3.1(b); s. 4.2(b); Schedule "B"
setback	minimum 3.0m (9.84 ft.) from a dwelling; minimum 1.5m (5.0 ft.) from any accessory structures; minimum 1.2m (4.0 ft.) from a side yard and 1.5m (5.0 ft.) from the rear yard; minimum 3.1m (10 ft.) from a secondary front (corner lots)	s. 5.1(b)(ii)-(v)

scout note

Permits and regulates the keeping of urban hens within the Village of Duchess.