{"title":"Dawson Creek backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","question":"Can I keep chickens or other livestock?","slug":"backyard-chickens","place":{"path":"ca/bc/dawson-creek","name":"Dawson Creek","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Dawson Creek","url":"https://www.dawsoncreek.ca"},"short_answer":"In Dawson Creek you may keep up to 6 hens per parcel with a City hen licence ($24.46 in 2026, plus taxes), in the zones where zoning allows it. Roosters and other livestock are banned unless the land is in the ALR, classed as a farm, or zoned agricultural, paddock or stable. Bees need a separate licence.","aliases":["hen licence dawson creek","backyard hens dawson creek","urban chickens dawson creek","beekeeping dawson creek"],"cost":"Hen licence $24.46 and beekeeping licence $24.46 (2026, plus taxes). Fees are non-refundable.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"City of Dawson Creek (main line)","value":"250-784-3600"},{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Enforcement","value":"250-784-3657"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw 4420 (PDF)","url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw 4625 (PDF)","url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/143791"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Dawson Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Dawson Creek dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/dog-licence/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/pouce-coupe","name":"Pouce Coupe","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pouce-coupe/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fort-st-john","name":"Fort St. John","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-john/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chetwynd","name":"Chetwynd","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chetwynd/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/tumbler-ridge","name":"Tumbler Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tumbler-ridge/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/backyard-chickens/"}],"topic":{"title":"Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens/"},"facts":{"hens_allowed":{"label":"Hens allowed","value":"Yes, with a backyard hen licence from the City. Zoning lists backyard hen keeping as an accessory use in RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, RMH-1, INS-1, A and CD-3 zones. The keeper must live at the property and be the owner or have the owner's permission.","short":"Yes, with a backyard hen licence","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 15.1, 16.1.a","quotes":["No person will keep any hens within the boundaries of the City unless that person is engaging in backyard hen keeping and holds a valid and subsisting hen licence under this Bylaw.","be the registered owner or obtain permission from the registered property owner of the property where hens are kept, and reside at the property where the hens are kept;"]},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/143791","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 4625, 2026 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.11.1 (RS-1) and zone use lists","quotes":["The following uses and no others are permitted in the RS-1 Zone","iv. backyard hen keeping","The following uses and no others are permitted in the RS-2 Zone","The following uses and no others are permitted in the RS-3 Zone","The following uses and no others are permitted in the RMH-1 Zone","The following uses and no others are permitted in CD-3 Zone:","a) Principal Uses i. triplex b) Accessory Uses i. accessory building or structure ii. backyard beekeeping iii. backyard hen keeping"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"max_hens":{"label":"Most hens","value":"No more than 6 hens per parcel of land.","short":"6 hens","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 16.1.b","quotes":["keep no more than six (6) hens per parcel of land;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"roosters":{"label":"Roosters","value":"No. Roosters are defined as livestock, and livestock may not be kept in the City except on ALR land, property classed as a farm, or land zoned agricultural, intensive agricultural, paddock or stable. The hen rules cover only adult female hens.","short":"No","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 2.1, 3.1, 10.1","quotes":["animals of the avian class including turkeys, ducks, geese, emus, ostriches, pheasants and roosters and capons, but excluding hens; and","no person shall keep any livestock within the boundaries of the City.","Zoned to allow agricultural, intensive agricultural, paddock, or stable uses."]},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/143791","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 4625, 2026 (PDF)","section":"Definitions","quotes":["BACKYARD HEN KEEPING means the keeping of adult female domesticated fowl"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"coop_rules":{"label":"Coop rules","value":"Run: fenced on all sides against predators; at least 1 m² covered space per hen; under 2.4 m high; at least 2.0 m from any parcel line and behind the front face of the main building. Coop: at least 2.0 m from rear or side parcel line (no rear setback for a coop under 1 m² where there is a lane); at least 0.5 m² floor per hen; a perch 15 cm per hen; one nest box per four hens. No cages.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 16.1.c, 16.1.d, 16.1.f","quotes":["provides at least 1 square metre of covered outdoor space per hen;","is less than 2.4 metres in height;","is sited at least 2.0 metres from any parcel line and located to the rear of the front face of the principal building;","is sited at least 2.0 metres from the rear or side parcel line where there is no lane.","provides at least 0.5 square metres of coop floor area per hen;","at least one nest box per four hens","not keep the hen in a cage;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"registration":{"label":"Permit or registration","value":"Yes. A backyard hen licence is required (apply within 7 days of becoming the owner of hens). Annual fee $24.46 in 2026, plus taxes; non-refundable; valid only for the person it was issued to.","short":"Yes, annual $24.46 licence fee","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 15.1 to 15.6","quotes":["must apply for a licence and pay the applicable licence fee within seven (7) days of becoming the owner of backyard hens.","Every backyard hen licence is valid only for the owner of the backyard hens to whom it was issued."]},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/136171","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3932, Schedule C (PDF)","section":"Schedule C","quotes":["Annual Hen Keeping Licence Fee $23.98 $24.46 $24.95 $25.45"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bees":{"label":"Bees","value":"Yes, with a beekeeping licence ($24.46 in 2026). Keeper must be registered under the BC Bee Regulation with a registered apiary, and own the property or have the owner's written permission. Maximum 4 colonies per parcel (typically 2 colonies and 2 nucleus colonies), all behind the front face of the main dwelling, with the entrance facing away from neighbours behind a fence or hedge 1.8 m or higher, or at least 2.5 m above ground on a platform.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 17.1, 18.1","quotes":["No person will keep bees in the City unless that person holds a valid and subsisting beekeeping licence","be registered as a beekeeper under the Bee Regulation, B.C. Reg. 3/2015 and amendments","keep a maximum of four (4) colonies per parcel","locate all colonies at the rear of the front face of the principal dwelling;","continuous fence or hedge that is 1.8 metres or more in height","situated 2.5 metres or more above ground level."]},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/136171","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3932, Schedule C (PDF)","section":"Schedule C","quotes":["Annual Bee Keeping Licence Fee $23.98 $24.46 $24.95 $25.45"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_livestock":{"label":"Other livestock","value":"Not allowed in the City (horses, mules, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, sheep, pigs including potbellied pigs, goats, ducks, geese, turkeys and similar), except on ALR land, property classed as a farm, or land zoned agricultural, intensive agricultural, paddock or stable.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 2.1 \"Livestock\", 3.1, 10.1","quotes":["horses, mules, donkeys, camels, llamas, alpacas, sheep, pigs (including potbellied pigs) and goats;","no person shall keep any livestock within the boundaries of the City.","Designated as part of the agricultural land reserve under the Agricultural Land Commission Act;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019, and Zoning Bylaw No. 4625, 2026","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["ANIMAL RESPONSIBILITY BYLAW NO. 4420, 2019"]},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/143791","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 4625, 2026 (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["ZONING BYLAW NO. 4625, 2026"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":8,"matched":8,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Animal Responsibility Bylaw 4420](<https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100>) allows backyard hens in Dawson Creek with a City hen licence. [Zoning Bylaw 4625](<https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/143791>) lists hen keeping as an accessory use in zones RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, RMH-1, INS-1, A and CD-3. It is not listed in commercial or industrial zones. The keeper must live at the property and be the owner or have the owner's permission. No more than 6 hens per parcel; hens are for personal use only.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check that your zone allows hens.\n2. Apply for the hen licence within 7 days of becoming the owner of hens. It costs $24.46 in 2026, plus taxes, and is valid only for the person it was issued to.\n3. Build the coop and run to the rules below.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Run: fenced on all sides against predators; at least 1 m² of covered space per hen; under 2.4 m high; at least 2.0 m from any parcel line and behind the front face of the main building.\n- Coop: at least 2.0 m from the rear or side parcel line (no rear setback for a coop under 1 m² where there is a lane); at least 0.5 m² of floor per hen; a perch of 15 cm per hen; one nest box per four hens. No cages. Manure must be stored in a fully enclosed structure (maximum 1 cubic metre).\n- No roosters. Horses, mules, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, sheep, pigs, goats, ducks, geese, turkeys and similar animals are livestock, allowed only on ALR (Agricultural Land Reserve) land, property classed as a farm, or land zoned agricultural, intensive agricultural, paddock or stable.\n- Bees: a beekeeping licence ($24.46 in 2026), registration under the BC Bee Regulation, and the owner's written permission if you rent. Maximum 4 colonies per parcel, behind the front face of the main dwelling, with entrances facing away from neighbours behind a fence or hedge 1.8 m or higher, or at least 2.5 m above ground on a platform.\n- No hen licence or failing the hen rules: bylaw notice $150 ($100 within 14 days; $200 late); municipal ticket $300. The City can cancel or suspend a licence.\n- The City has announced changes to animal services and licensing from December 2026; check with the City.","sources":[{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112100","title":"Animal Responsibility Bylaw No. 4420, 2019 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/143791","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 4625, 2026 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/136171","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 3932, Schedule C (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112178","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 4277, Schedule B (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://dawsoncreek.civicweb.net/document/112527","title":"Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 4278 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/backyard-chickens/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/backyard-chickens.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dawson-creek/backyard-chickens.json"}}