{"title":"Mackenzie backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules","question":"Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Mackenzie?","slug":"backyard-chickens","place":{"path":"ca/bc/mackenzie","name":"Mackenzie","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":"District of Mackenzie","url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca"},"short_answer":"In Mackenzie, you can keep backyard hens or ducks with a District permit on R1, R2 and R3 lots with a single-detached dwelling. The limit is 4 hens or ducks combined on a lot of 500 m² or less, up to 8 on larger lots. Roosters are prohibited.","aliases":["backyard chickens mackenzie","hens permit mackenzie bc","beekeeping permit mackenzie","livestock mackenzie bc"],"cost":"One-time application fee: $25 for a Backyard Hen or Duck Permit; $25 for a Backyard Beekeeping Permit.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Animal Control & Bylaw Services","value":"250-997-3882","note":"If the officer is on patrol: 250-997-7617"},{"type":"phone","label":"District Main Office","value":"250-997-3221"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354 (consolidated PDF)","url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf"},{"title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1368 (PDF)","url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bylaw-No.-1368-Zoning-Industrial-and-Townsite-Maps.pdf"},{"title":"Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosure Checklist (PDF)","url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Backyard-Hen-and-Duck-Enclosure-Checklist-Updated.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Mackenzie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dog-licence","title":"Mackenzie dog licences: fees and how to get one","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/dog-licence/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Mackenzie zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Mackenzie fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/fence-rules/"}],"nearby":[{"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/fort-st-james","name":"Fort St James","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/backyard-chickens/"},{"place":"ca/bc/vanderhoof","name":"Vanderhoof","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/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/taylor","name":"Taylor","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/taylor/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 or Duck Permit, on properties zoned R1, R2 and R3 where the dwelling is a single-detached dwelling. The RR1 and RR2 zones are not subject to the backyard hen and duck rules (they follow the livestock rules).","short":"Yes, with permit, R1, R2, R3 single-detached","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf","title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016, consolidated (PDF)","section":"s. 11(d)(i)","quotes":["Backyard hens and ducks are permitted on properties zoned R1, R2 and R3, subject to the following conditions:","The dwelling on the property is a single-detached welling;","The RR1 and RR2 residential zones are not subject to the backyard hen or duck regulations."]},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bylaw-No.-1368-Zoning-Industrial-and-Townsite-Maps.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017, Industrial and Townsite Maps (PDF)","section":"Backyard Hen Enclosures & Bee Keeping (R2)","quotes":["Backyard hen enclosures and bee keeping are only permitted on parcels containing a single detached dwelling."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"max_hens":{"label":"Most hens","value":"4 hens or ducks combined on a lot of 500 m² or less, plus one more for each additional full 100 m² of lot area, up to 8 hens or ducks combined.","short":"4 to 8 hens or ducks, by lot size","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bylaw-No.-1368-Zoning-Industrial-and-Townsite-Maps.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017, Industrial and Townsite Maps (PDF)","section":"Backyard Hen Enclosures","quotes":["A maximum of four (4) hens may be kept."]},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Backyard-Hen-and-Duck-Enclosure-Checklist-Updated.pdf","title":"Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosure Checklist (PDF)","section":"Zoning Bylaw s. 4.24, as reproduced in the Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosure Checklist","quotes":["On properties 500 m2 or less a maximum of four (4) hens or ducks may be kept.","For each additional full 100 m2 of lot area one additional hen or duck","may be kept to a maximum of eight (8) hens or ducks combined."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"roosters":{"label":"Roosters","value":"No. Roosters are prohibited.","short":"No","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf","title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016, consolidated (PDF)","section":"s. 11(d)(i)g.","quotes":["subject to the following conditions: i. Roosters are prohibited; ii. The dwelling on the property is a single-detached welling;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"coop_rules":{"label":"Coop rules","value":"In the backyard, fully fenced; coop at most 8 m² floor area and 2 m high; at least 0.37 m² of enclosure per bird; coop and pen at least 4 m from the property lines. Hens and ducks stay in the coop or pen; feed stored so it does not attract wildlife; manure kept enclosed, no more than 3 cubic feet.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bylaw-No.-1368-Zoning-Industrial-and-Townsite-Maps.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017, Industrial and Townsite Maps (PDF)","section":"Backyard Hen Enclosures","quotes":["Backyard hen enclosures must be located in a fenced backyard and the dwelling unit must be between the backyard hen enclosure and the front parcel line","The maximum size of a coop is 8.0 metres² in floor area and 4.0 metres in height","The coop and the pen must be placed at least 4 metres from the exterior side parcel line"]},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf","title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016, consolidated (PDF)","section":"s. 11(d)(i)g.","quotes":["All hens and ducks remain within the coop or pen at all times;","no more than 0.085m3 (3 cubic feet) of manure is"]},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Backyard-Hen-and-Duck-Enclosure-Checklist-Updated.pdf","title":"Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosure Checklist (PDF)","section":"Zoning Bylaw s. 4.24 and Checklist items 7 and 8","quotes":["The maximum size of a coop is 8.0 metres² in floor area and 2.0 metres in","A minimum enclosure of 0.37 m2 (4 ft2) must be provided per chicken or","Maintain a distance of at least 4.0m between any part of the hen and/or duck coop and"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"registration":{"label":"Permit or registration","value":"Yes. A Backyard Hen or Duck Permit from the District is required: submit the application form, pass an inspection by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer or other District staff, and pay a one-time $25 application fee. The permit is not transferable.","short":"Yes, one-time $25 permit fee","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf","title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016, consolidated (PDF)","section":"s. 11(d)(i)a.","quotes":["A hen or duck owner must obtain a Backyard Hen or Duck Permit from the District to keep hens or ducks.","Paying a one-time fee for obtaining a Backyard Hen or Duck Permit","The Backyard Hen or Duck Permit is not transferable to another person or property."]},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/public-services/animal-control-bylaw-services/animal-licences-control/","title":"Animal Licences & Control, District of Mackenzie","section":"Annual Licence Fees","quotes":["Backyard Hens and Ducks Permit Application | $25.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bees":{"label":"Bees","value":"Yes, with a Backyard Beekeeping Permit ($25 one-time application fee, inspection required) on R1, R2 and R3 lots with a single-detached dwelling; the keeper needs a provincial Beekeeper ID, a fully fenced backyard and water within 2 m of each hive. Max 2 colonies on a parcel under 1,100 m² and 1 colony on a parcel under 600 m²; no hive within 6.5 m of any parcel line.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf","title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016, consolidated (PDF)","section":"s. 11(d)(ii)","quotes":["A beekeeper must obtain a Backyard Beekeeping Permit","Backyard Bees are permitted on properties zoned R1, R2, and R3","A permanent and adequate water source must be located within two (2) metres of each hive on a property;"]},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bylaw-No.-1368-Zoning-Industrial-and-Townsite-Maps.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017, Industrial and Townsite Maps (PDF)","section":"Bee Keeping","quotes":["No more than two colonies of bees are permitted on a parcel having an area less than 1,100 metres²","A beehive is not permitted within 6.5 metres of any parcel line."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"other_livestock":{"label":"Other livestock","value":"Under s. 11, livestock (domestic use, penned) are allowed in RR1, RRB1 and RRC1 up to: 5 horses, donkeys, llamas or hinnies; 2 cows, goats, sheep or pigs; 15 rabbits; or 25 chickens, turkeys, geese or ducks. RR2 has lower limits (2 horses, 20 chickens or ducks). None on a parcel under 0.4 ha. Ducks on R1, R2, R3 lots need the hen and duck permit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf","title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016, consolidated (PDF)","section":"s. 11(a), (b), (c)","quotes":["An Owner is permitted to Keep Livestock on the Owner’s Premises located within the Rural Residential Zone (RRI)","5 horses; or","20 chicken or turkeys or geese or ducks or","No Livestock are permitted on a Land Parcel that is smaller than .4 hectares (1 acre).","An Owner is permitted to Keep Livestock on the Owner’s Premises located within the Rural Residential 2 Zone (RR2), subject to the following:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016 (s. 11, as amended by Nos. 1377 and 1501) and Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017 (s. 4.24, Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosures).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf","title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016, consolidated (PDF)","section":"s. 11(d)","quotes":["Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosure and Beekeeping Regulations"]},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bylaw-No.-1368-Zoning-Industrial-and-Townsite-Maps.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017, Industrial and Townsite Maps (PDF)","section":"Backyard Hen Enclosures","quotes":["1371 27-NOV-2017 Rezone A2 to RR1 on DL 13173, Cariboo, Plan 6TU1957 1378 27-NOV-2017 Backyard Hen Enclosures changes 1389 28-MAY-2018 Cannabis definition changes","assembled, HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. That \"District of Mackenzie Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017\" be amended as follows: (a) By removing sections 4.18 (1) (iii) and replaced as follows:"]},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Backyard-Hen-and-Duck-Enclosure-Checklist-Updated.pdf","title":"Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosure Checklist (PDF)","section":"Checklist, Regulations from Zoning Bylaw","quotes":["Regulations from Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017","Section 4.24 Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosures"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":8,"matched":8,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe District of Mackenzie allows backyard hens and ducks under its [Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf) (s. 11) and its [Zoning Bylaw No. 1368](https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bylaw-No.-1368-Zoning-Industrial-and-Townsite-Maps.pdf). You need a Backyard Hen or Duck Permit, on R1, R2 or R3 lots where the dwelling is a single-detached dwelling. RR1 and RR2 lots follow the livestock rules instead.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Submit the permit application form to the District.\n2. Pass an inspection by the Bylaw Enforcement Officer or other District staff.\n3. Pay the one-time $25 application fee. A failed inspection means reapplying and paying again.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Number: 4 hens or ducks combined on a lot of 500 m² or less, plus one for each additional full 100 m² of lot area, up to 8. No roosters.\n- Coop: at most 8 m² floor area and 2 m high, at least 0.37 m² of enclosure per bird, and the coop and pen at least 4 m from the property lines. The backyard must be fully fenced and the birds kept in the coop or pen.\n- The permit holder must live on the property (tenants need landlord approval), and the permit is not transferable. It can be revoked for non-compliance.\n- Bees: a Backyard Beekeeping Permit ($25, inspection) on R1, R2 and R3 lots needs a provincial Beekeeper ID, a fully fenced backyard and water within 2 m of each hive. No more than 2 colonies on a parcel under 1,100 m² and 1 on a parcel under 600 m²; no hive within 6.5 m of a parcel line.\n- Other livestock, penned for domestic use, are allowed on RR1, RRB1 and RRC1 land: 5 horses, donkeys, llamas or hinnies; 2 cows, goats, sheep or pigs; 15 rabbits; or 25 chickens, turkeys, geese or ducks. RR2 has lower limits (2 horses, 20 chickens or ducks). None on a parcel under 0.4 ha.","sources":[{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bylaw.1354-Consolidated-Animal-Control-and-Licencing-Bylaw.pdf","title":"Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw No. 1354, 2016, consolidated (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bylaw-No.-1368-Zoning-Industrial-and-Townsite-Maps.pdf","title":"Zoning Bylaw No. 1368, 2017, Industrial and Townsite Maps (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Backyard-Hen-and-Duck-Enclosure-Checklist-Updated.pdf","title":"Backyard Hen and Duck Enclosure Checklist (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://districtofmackenzie.ca/public-services/animal-control-bylaw-services/animal-licences-control/","title":"Animal Licences & Control, District of Mackenzie","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","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/mackenzie/backyard-chickens/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/backyard-chickens.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/backyard-chickens.json"}}