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Licensing

Licensing

Business Licenses

The Town of Fort Macleod requires all resident businesses (located in Fort Macleod), non-resident businesses (coming into Town to do work but located somewhere else), hawkers, peddlers, and vendors to have a current Town of Fort Macleod business license. 

Business licenses run from January 1st to December 31st and are due at the end of January.

All NEW business license applications are reviewed by the Planning & Development Officer prior to being approved and issued.

If you operate a business in Fort Macleod but also do work in the surrounding area, the Regional Business License may be of interest to you. Businesses from outside the Town of Fort Macleod that have a Regional Business License are covered to work in our municipality.

For more information on the Town's Business License Bylaw.

Fill out a business license application and email it to our Utility Clerk for processing.

LINK TO DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Animal Licenses

The Town of Fort Macleod requires dog owners to license their animals per the Town’s Dog Control Bylaw. Dog licenses run from January 1 through December 31 each year and currently registered dog owners will receive a reminder in December that new licenses will be available January 1st.

Currently dog licensing costs $20 per year for an altered animal and $40 per year for an unaltered animal.

Please follow this link for more detailed information on our dog control bylaw.

The Town of Fort Macleod does not have a cat control bylaw at this time. If you have concerns about stray or abandoned cats please contact a local animal shelter and discuss their intake capacity. Some local shelters are:

Urban Hen & Beekeeping License

Bylaw 1979 - Animal Control

1. Who Needs a License?

  • Urban Hen Owners:
    • Residents in residential (R) or residential manufactured home (R-MH) zoned lands (at lease 66'x99' in size) who wish to keep hens on their property must obtain an Urban Hen Coop License.

  • Urban Beekeepers:
    • Individuals who want to keep beehives on their property must acquire an Urban Beekeeping License.

2. How to Get an Urban Hen Coop License

  • Check Your Zoning:

    • Confirm that your property is in a zone that permits urban hens.

  • Obtain Consent:

    • If you are not the property owner, secure written consent from the property owner.

  • Premises Identification Number (PID):

  • Application Form:

    • Complete the Urban Hen Coop License application form.
    • Submit to the Town Office located at the GR Davis Administration Building. 410 20th Street Fort Macleod, AB

  • Inspection:

    • Your coop setup will be inspected to ensure it meets all requirements.

  • Pay the Fee:

    • Submit the annual $50 license fee.

  • Approval:

    • Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive your license.

3. How to Get an Urban Beekeeping License

  • Check Your Zoning:

    • Ensure your property is eligible for urban beekeeping based on size and location.

  • Complete Training:

    • Successfully complete an approved urban beekeeping course and provide proof of completion.

  • Obtain Consent:

    • Secure written permission from adjacent neighbours.

  • Application Form:

    • Complete the Urban Beekeeping License application form.
    • Submit to the Town Office located in the GR Davis Administration Building at 410 20th Street Fort Macleod, AB.

  • Hive Placement:

    • Ensure your hives are placed in the rear yard with proper setbacks from property lines.

  • Inspection:

    • A bylaw officer will inspect your setup to verify compliance.

  • Pay the Fee:

    • Submit the required license fee.

  • Approval:

    • After review and approval, you will receive your license.

4. Regulations for Keeping Chickens

  • Number of Hens:

    • You can keep up to five hens on a residential (R), or residential manufactured homes (R-MH) property.
    • For properties that are designated Agriculture (AG), River Valley Lands (RVL), Residential Large lot (R-LL), or Country Residential (CR), you are exempt and fall within the animal unit equivalents. 

  • Coop Requirements:

    • The coop must be fully enclosed, weatherproof, and meet all size and safety regulations.

  • Prohibitions:

    • No roosters are allowed.
    • Hens must not be slaughtered on the property.
    • Selling eggs or manure is prohibited.

  • Waste Management:

    • Dispose of hen waste hygienically to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

5. Regulations for Keeping Bees

  • Number of Hives:

    • Residential Properties: Up to two hives.
    • Agricultural Properties: Up to four hives.

  • Hive Placement:

    • Hives must be placed in the rear yard with specific setbacks from property lines to minimize disturbance to neighbours.

  • Prohibitions:

    • Hives must not be placed near public spaces or where they could become a nuisance.

  • Training Requirement:

    • Complete an approved beekeeping course before applying for a license.

6. What Happens if I Don’t Comply with the Rules?

  • Inspection & Enforcement:

    • A bylaw officer may inspect your property and setups.

  • License Revocation:

    • Non-compliance with the regulations can result in the revocation of your license.

  • Appeal Process:

    • You can appeal the decision to the Town Council if your license is revoked.

For more details and to access application forms, please visit the Town of Fort Macleod website or contact the Bylaw Department directly.

Licensing

See More of Fort Macleod

There is so much to do in Fort Macleod. Discover things like our beautiful historic Main Street, our new off leash dog park, or head across the green bridge for a walk in our Wilderness Park.

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