Animals in Residential Districts

Which areas are affected?

These updates apply to residential districts within Lacombe County only, and do not apply to agricultural, commercial, industrial, or recreational districts. 

The updated regulations do not apply to pets like dogs or cats that are typically kept indoors. The focus is on livestock, poultry, and bees.

What are the key updates? 

For those looking to raise livestock, poultry, or keep bees on their residential property, it's important to understand the updated regulations that set clear limits and guidelines for keeping animals. These rules are designed to ensure that animals are kept in a way that’s sustainable for the land and considerate of neighbors. Here's a quick breakdown:

Livestock Regulations:

• In the Country Residential ‘R-CR’ District, the number of allowable livestock now depends on both animal type and lot size.
  • In the Country Residential ‘R-CR’ District, properties over 3 acres can have slightly more animals, while smaller properties (less than 3 acres) can now have livestock, provided the correct animal-to-acre ratio is followed.
  • In the Country Residential ‘R-CR’ District, the animal-to-acre ratio is maximum is 10 Livestock Units (LUs) per each full increment of 0.5 acres.
  • Different types of livestock count as different numbers of livestock units (LUs). The Livestock Unit (LU) value is relative to the animal size and foraging requirements. Here's a guide to help you understand how each animal adds up:
    • Cows, Horses, Mules, Donkeys, Pigs: 20 LUs per animal
    • Alpacas, Llamas, Calves (weaned, up to 1 year old), Miniature Horses, Sheep, Goats: 10 LUs per animal
    • It's also important to note that young animals like calves, foals, lambs, gilts, and kids that are still with their mothers and not yet weaned do not count as livestock units.

• Regulations have been added on premise identification, livestock structures, manure management, and deadstock disposal.
• In some cases in the Country Residential ‘R-CR’ District, you might be allowed to keep more livestock than the standard limit. The Development Authority can approve this if they believe the land is suitable and that having extra animals won’t cause a nuisance to nearby properties. However, there are steps you need to take:
• Submit a Development Permit Application: If you want to exceed the livestock limits, you’ll need to apply for a development permit.
• Provide a Pasture Management Plan and Manure Management Plan: Your application must include both a pasture management plan and a manure management plan to show that you can properly care for the land and animals.
• Approval Process: The application is a discretionary use, meaning the Municipal Planning Commission will review it, and nearby landowners will be given a 21-day period to appeal.

Chickens and Other Poultry Regulations:

• Residential properties in the Country Residential ‘R-CR’ District will now be allowed to keep up to 12 poultry, in addition to livestock.
  • In some cases in the Country Residential ‘R-CR’ District, you might be allowed to keep more poultry than the standard limit. The Development Authority can approve this if they believe the site is suitable and that having extra poultry won’t cause a nuisance to nearby properties. However, you’ll need to apply for a development permit, which is a discretionary use, meaning the Municipal Planning Commission will review it, and nearby landowners will be given a 21-day period to appeal.
• All other residential districts will allow up to 6 poultry, similar to urban hen programs.
• Regulations have been added on premise identification, biosecurity, coop requirements, waste management, and deadstock disposal. The intent of these regulations is to provide best management practices to protect the health of poultry flocks by preventing the transmission of disease.
• Roosters will be restricted in all residential districts to minimize noise issues.

Beekeeping Regulations:

• The Country Residential ‘R-CR’ District will allow a maximum of 2 beehives per property.
  • In some cases in the Country Residential ‘R-CR’ District, you might be allowed to keep more beehives than the standard limit. The Development Authority can approve this if they believe the site is suitable and that the extra beehives won’t cause a nuisance to nearby properties. However, you’ll need to apply for a development permit, which is a discretionary use, meaning the Municipal Planning Commission will review it, and nearby landowners will be given a 21-day period to appeal.
• All other residential districts will allow a maximum of 1 beehive per property.
• Regulations have been added on beehive placement, premise identification, and management to ensure safety and biosecurity.   In the regulations, the required registration of beekeepers with the Province is highlighted.

These updates aim to balance the needs of animal owners with the broader residential community. By setting clear and responsible guidelines for animal care, the County hopes to reduce potential nuisances and encourage better practices that protect animal welfare and public safety.

The County is also working on hosting workshops tailored to responsible animal ownership in residential areas. The first tentatively scheduled workshop coming up in May will be ‘Chickens 101’ where attendees will learn about keeping chickens including building a coop, taking care of the birds in winter, biosecurity, how to keep the birds healthy, predator control, end of life plans, and much more. Stay tuned for advertising and information on how to register!

Learn More!

Utilize these resources to enhance your knowledge and safeguard the health and well-being of your animals. In addition, regularly consult with veterinarians to ensure your animals receive proper nutrition, proper medical care and vaccinations. Remember, a well-cared-for animal is a happy and healthy companion.

Get an Alberta Premise Identification Number

Resources for Livestock Owners:

• Small Farm Manure Management Resources
• Managing Livestock Manure
• Biosecurity and Livestock
• Animal Care – Alberta SPCA
• Livestock Health
• Animal Pests and Wildlife

Resources for Poultry Owners:

• River City Chickens – Resources for Hen-Keeping and Food Security
• River City Chickens – Classes and Events
• Raising chickens in Alberta: a guide for small flock owners
• Keeping your flock, your food, and your family healthy 
• Keep Alberta Small Flocks Healthy: Safely add to your small flock
• When disease enters your flock
• Biosecurity: Keeping small flocks healthy
• Cleaning and disinfecting backyard poultry flock premises
• Protect yourself and your family: Tips for the safe handling of chicks and live poultry
• AFAC Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Urban Chickens and Small Flocks

Resources for Beekeepers:

• Honey bee health and apiculture

• Register as a beekeeper
• Apiculture publications and resources

Animal Protection – Report an Animal in Distress

To report an animal in distress, outside of the cities of Edmonton and Calgary, call the Alberta SPCA Animal Distress Line at 1-800-455-9003.

When you call the Animal Distress Line,  the SPCA opens up a file similar to a police investigation.  In order to do so, the SPCA needs timely, first-hand details to proceed.  When calling, they will ask for the following:

• Date & time of incident,
• Address of the alleged offence and directions on how to get there if it’s a rural location,
• Details of what you saw (the SPCA can’t accept hearsay, second-hand information or social media posts),
• Photos, if you had the chance to take any,
• If the offense involved a vehicle, the license plate number, make, model & colour,
• Description of the animal’s owner.

Learn more here: Report an Animal in Distress – Alberta SPCA

Attachments

1. Final Bylaw 1428/25 -  Land Use Bylaw Updates

2. What We Heard Report