Backyard Hens Licensing

Residents of Diamond Valley have the opportunity to raise up to six (6) hens in a backyard hen house. To ensure the well-being of your feathered friends and maintain the harmony of our community, please familiarize yourself with the Backyard Hens – Requirements and Best Practices. This guide provides valuable information on caring for hens and outlines the program's requirements.

To join the Backyard Hens Program, simply complete the Backyard Hens Licence Application. Submit the form, along with the $30 registration fee and all necessary documentation, to the Town Office. Please note that Backyard Hens licences must be renewed annually, with a renewal rate of $30. Payment for renewals is due by January 31 each year.

We appreciate your commitment to responsible hen keeping, and we look forward to fostering a feather-friendly community in Diamond Valley.

Backyard Hen Licence Application

Backyard Hens Program Application

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Steps

1. Introduction(current) This section is complete This section is incomplete
2. Applicant Information This section is complete This section is incomplete
3. Coop Design This section is complete This section is incomplete
4. Fees and Payment Options This section is complete This section is incomplete
5. Agreement This section is complete This section is incomplete

Introduction

Backyard Hens
Program Application
Backyard Hens Application Process
Residents of Diamond Valley who wish to participate in the Backyard Hens Program are required to obtain a Hen Licence in accordance with the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. A hen is defined as a female chicken, and residents may keep a maximum of six (6) hens per household. Roosters are not permitted.
The annual Hen Licence fee is $30. All licences must be renewed in January each year, regardless of the date of initial registration.
Before completing the form, applicants must review the Backyard Hens Program – Requirements and Best Practices in full to ensure they understand the rules, housing standards, and care expectations.
To apply, please complete the Backyard Hens Licence Application Form below and submit it with the following:
- A copy of your Premises Identification Form (PID) submitted to the Province of Alberta.
- A drawing, description, or photo of your planned coop and its location on your property.
- If applicable, a signed permission letter from your landlord.
- Payment of the annual $30 Backyard Hens Licence fee.
Payment options:
- Credit card via OptionPay: www.diamondvalley.town/creditcard (a small service fee applies)
- E-transfer to info@diamondvalley.town
- In person at the Municipal Office (Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm) by cash, cheque, or debit
Once your application and payment have been received, Town staff will review your submission. You will be contacted within one week, and after your coop is constructed, an inspection by Town staff or Animal Control will be required. Following approval, you may obtain your hens.
Thank you for being a responsible hen keeper and supporting both animal welfare and community harmony.
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Applicant Information

Applicant First and Last Name*
Co Applicant
Resident type*
1. Owner
2. Renter
RENTERS: A signed letter of permission from your landlord is required
Attach letter
Residential Address*
Mailing Address*
Phone*
Co-Owner or Alternate Phone
Email
By providing your email address, you will receive account correspondence and renewal reminders to this email address.
Co-Owner Email
By providing your email address, you may receive account correspondence and renewal reminders to this email address.
PID has been submitted to Alberta Agriculture*
PID website
1. Yes
1. No
Upload Copy of PID form
Residential lot size
Include ft²or m²
Yard Fenced*
1. Yes
2. No
Fence Height
Include ft²or m²
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Coop Design

Upload photo or drawing of your intended coop design*
Description of intended coop design, including area and size of coop and run*
Describe provision for perches, nesting boxes, dust bathing, ventilation and environmental protection*
Describe intended location within your yard*
Include drawing or picture of backyard location
Optional
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Fees and Payment Options

Applications will be processed once payment is received
Residents can send payment via e-transfer to info@diamondvalley.town.
For added convenience, credit card payments can be made through our online Option Pay system, a small fee applicable to credit card transactions.
Please be sure to provide your name and "Hen Licence Application and your address" in the Comments section of the e-transfer or Option Pay transaction.
Payments may also be made in cash, by cheque, or by debit at the Municipal Office during regular business hours. Cheques may be made payable to the Town of Diamond Valley and mailed to Box 10, Black Diamond, AB T0L 0H0 or dropped in the after-hours deposit box. Please do not deposit cash in the after-hours deposit box.
$30 Application fee is paid
1. Yes
1. No
Renewals
Animal licences are valid until December 31 of the current year.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit the $30 renewal fee in January through one of the above methods of payment to maintain a valid licence.
Annual renewal notices are only sent electronically to those enrolled at www.diamondvalley.town/eServices.
⚠️ Important: If the eServices form has not been submitted, you will not receive electronic communications or renewal reminders.
I understand it is my responsibility to renew my annual licence even if I do not receive a reminder*
1. Yes
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Agreement

I hereby make application for a Backyard Hen Licence under the provision of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw in accordance with the information submitted herewith under the provisions of the Animal Control Bylaw.
- I have read and agree to adhere to the Animal Control Bylaw Backyard Hens Program Requirements and Best Practices.
- I certify that I am at least 18 years of age.
- I am aware that a municipal representative or Peace Officer will pre-arrange a meeting to attend my home after receiving notice that my coop has been installed and prior to my hens being installed in the coop. This inspection is undertaken to observe my hen enclosure and confirm that I am in compliance with the Backyard Hens Program Requirements and Best Practices.
- I understand that I will only be permitted to install my hens in their coop after authorization has been granted by the Town following an initial inspection.
- I understand that if a complaint is registered with the Town, a Peace Officer may attend my residence at their own discretion, and that an appointment is not required in such cases.
- I understand that the maximum number of hens permitted is six (6) and that roosters are not permitted.
- I acknowledge that the keeping of hens is for personal use only, and that the selling of eggs, manure or other products derived from hens is prohibited.
I confirm that the information contained in this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Electronic Signature*
Electronic Signature Agreement*
By checking the "I agree" box below, you agree and acknowledge that:
1) Your application will not be signed in the sense of a traditional paper document,
2) By signing in this alternate manner, you authorize your electronic signature to be valid and binding upon you to the same force and effect as a handwritten signature, and 3) you may still be required to provide a traditional signature at a later date.
1. I agree.
Protection of Privacy Act
The personal information collected through the Backyard Hens Application Program is for the purpose of licensing to own and raise hens on the applicant’s property in Diamond Valley. This collection is authorized by Section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act. For question about the collection of personal information, contact legislativeservices@diamondvalley.town or call 403-933-4348

Leave This Blank:

1. Receive an email copy of this form.
Email address

This field is not part of the form submission.
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Hen Licence Renewals

Diamond Valley Backyard Hen Licence Renewals

Residents participating in the Backyard Hen Program must renew their Hen Licence annually in accordance with the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.
Licensing ensures compliance with local regulations and supports the safe and responsible keeping of hens within Diamond Valley.

Licence Fee

Backyard Hen Licence: $30 per year

Hen licences are valid until December 31, with renewals due by January 31 each year.

How to Renew

Online:

E-Transfer: Send to info@diamondvalley.town. Include your name, “Hen Licence”, and licence number in the message.
Credit Card: Pay securely at www.diamondvalley.town/CreditCard (service fees apply).

In Person:
Pay by cash, debit, or cheque at the Town Office, 301 Centre Avenue West, Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

By Mail:
Mail cheques to Town of Diamond Valley, Box 10, Diamond Valley, AB T0L 0H0.
Include your name and “Hen Licence” in the memo line.

Additional Information

Renew by January 31 each year to avoid penalties or lapse of licence.
Email Renewal Notices: Sent to all current licence holders who have provided an email address. Paper notices will no longer be mailed starting January 2025.
Update Information: Use the form to report address changes or to cancel your licence if you are no longer participating in the program.
New Applications: Residents wishing to keep hens for the first time must complete the Backyard Hen Licence Application Form and meet all program requirements before approval.

Thank you for supporting responsible urban agriculture and helping make Diamond Valley a safe and sustainable community.