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Backyard chickens can be kept in rural residential and village residential areas, but not in urban areas of Chatham and Wallaceburg. Chickens also are prohibited from being kept in Erieau, due to its location as a tourist spot.

Early in the discussion during Monday's council meeting to approve the chicken bylaw, an unsuccessful motion was made by South Kent Coun. Ryan Doyle to reduce the fees proposed by administration.

Doyle wanted the initial $425 permit fee reduced to $200 and the $125 renewal fee dropped to $50.

Fellow South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci asked if the cost of reducing fees would be passed on to the taxpayer.

Municipal clerk Judy Smith said cost recovery has been the goal with anything to do with business licensing.