GovHandbook

Peachland backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules

Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock in Peachland?

Peachland, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

Short answer

In Peachland, you can keep up to 6 chickens on a residential lot smaller than 0.4 ha (1 acre), if the coop meets the accessory building rules. Larger lots outside the Agricultural Land Reserve allow 12 poultry per 0.4 ha. Bees are allowed in some rural and agricultural zones only.

Key facts

Hens allowedYes. On residential lots smaller than 0.4 ha (1 acre), up to 6 chickens, if the coop meets the accessory building rules. On larger lots outside the ALR, 12 poultry per 0.4 ha.Sources differ: Applies to land outside the Agricultural Land Reserve. Zoning Bylaw 2400 consolidated July 20, 2026.Zoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023, s. 5.37.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
For lots smaller than 0.4 ha (1.0 ac) and located in a residential zone, a maximum of
six (6) chickens are permitted, provided that the buildings and structures for the
Twelve (12) poultry, excluding roosters; and
Most hens6 chickens on lots under 0.4 ha (1 acre) in a residential zone. 12 poultry (not counting roosters) for every 0.4 ha on larger lots.Zoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023, s. 5.37.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
six (6) chickens are permitted, provided that the buildings and structures for the
Twelve (12) poultry, excluding roosters; and
RoostersNot confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read.
Coop rulesCoops must meet the accessory building and structure rules. The bylaw also sets shelter setbacks of 30 m from the front and exterior side lot lines and 7.5 m from the rear and interior side lot lines.Zoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023, s. 5.37.1.2, 5.37.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
provided that the buildings and structures for the
Front yard is 30.0 m (100 ft)
Rear yard is 7.5 m (25 ft)
Interior side yard is 7.5 m (25 ft)
Exterior side yard is 30.0 m (100 ft)
Permit or registrationNot confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read.
BeesAllowed in the A1, A2, RR1 and RR2 zones only. Outside the ALR the lot must be at least 0.4 ha (1 acre), with 2 hives per 0.4 ha up to 20. Hives go behind the house, with entrances facing away from neighbours and 7.5 m from lot lines unless raised 2.5 m or behind a 1.8 m fence or hedge. Register with the Province.Zoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023, s. 5.31 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Apiculture or the keeping of bees and/or beehives in the A1, A2, RR1 and RR2 zones is
The minimum lot area for the use is 0.4 ha (1.0 ac).
Two beehives are permitted for every 0.4 ha (1.0 ac) of lot area to a maximum of 20
No hives shall be located within 7.5 m (24.6 ft) of a lot line unless located in
Other livestockOutside the ALR, for every 0.4 ha (1 acre): 2 livestock (cattle, horses and similar), 6 sheep or goats, 12 poultry (not roosters) and 20 rabbits. Shelters need 30 m front and exterior side and 7.5 m rear and interior side setbacks.Zoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023, s. 5.37.1.1, 5.37.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
For every 0.4 ha (1.0 ac) of land the following number of animals is permitted on a lot:
Two (2) livestock;
Six (6) sheep or goats;
Twenty (20) rabbits
Front yard is 30.0 m (100 ft)
BylawZoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023 (s. 5.37 keeping of animals, s. 5.31 apiculture)Zoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023, s. 1.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
This bylaw may be cited as “Zoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023”.

How it works

The Zoning Bylaw 2400 (section 5.37) sets what animals you can keep. These rules apply to land outside the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). On a residential lot smaller than 0.4 ha (1 acre), up to 6 chickens are allowed, as long as the coop meets the accessory building and structure rules (section 5.8).

Steps

  1. Check your lot size and zone with Municipal Hall (250-767-2647).
  2. Make sure your coop meets the accessory building rules.
  3. Ask the District about the setbacks for shelters (see below) before you build.

Good to know

  • Larger lots: for every 0.4 ha, 12 poultry (not counting roosters), 2 livestock (cattle, horses and similar), 6 sheep or goats, and 20 rabbits.
  • The bylaw sets shelter setbacks of 30 m from the front and exterior side lot lines and 7.5 m from the rear and interior side lot lines. It is unclear whether these apply to a 6-hen coop on a small lot, so ask the District.
  • Roosters: the bylaw does not say in plain words whether they are allowed or banned. Ask the District.
  • Bees are allowed in the A1, A2, RR1 and RR2 zones only. Outside the ALR the lot must be at least 0.4 ha, with 2 hives per 0.4 ha up to 20. Hives go behind the house with entrances facing away from neighbours, and 7.5 m from lot lines unless raised 2.5 m or behind a 1.8 m fence or hedge. Register with the Province.
  • We found no hen permit, licence or registration requirement.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

West Kelowna · Summerland · Kelowna · Penticton · Lake Country · Vernon

Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Zoning Bylaw No. 2400, 2023 (PDF), District of Peachland (read 2026-11-06)
  2. Bylaw Services, District of Peachland (read 2026-11-06)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.