Residents of Tecumseh will be able to start the process of keeping hens on their property this weekend.
The town's two-year pilot program on urban hens officially starts Sunday, with interested residents getting a chance to apply for a permit on Tecumseh's official website.
The terms include a limit of six hens for properties under 10,000 square feet of space. For properties over 10,000 square feet, one additional hen is allowed for every 3,000 square feet for a limit of 12.
Mayor Gary McNamara said the pilot project is in response to feedback from residents, and it will be revisited in 2022 with the hope of making it permanent.
"Urban hens have become a growing trend across North America and residents have told us they want to raise and keep hens in their backyards," said McNamara. "This two-year pilot program was the result of extensive research into what other municipalities are doing and consultation with residents.”
Interested property owners must complete the necessary forms, meet all eligibility requirements, and pay an annual licence fee of $25. Owners must also agree to an inspection of their property by someone from the town's building department to ensure all terms are complied with.
Forms can be filled out online beginning Sunday. Hard copies are available starting Monday at Tecumseh Town Hall.
