---
title: Qualicum Beach backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules
question: "Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?"
place: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/qualicum-beach
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: Town of Qualicum Beach
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-chickens/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-chickens.json"
---

# Qualicum Beach backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules

**Question:** Can I keep chickens, bees, or other livestock?

**Short answer:** In Qualicum Beach, backyard hens (up to six, chickens and ducks together) are possible only with a Temporary Use Permit, in listed zones, on lots of at least 1,000 m². Roosters are banned. Urban beekeeping is allowed in non-agricultural zones, up to two hives.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (Town of Qualicum Beach, https://www.qualicumbeach.com)  
**Cost:** The Temporary Use Permit fee is not stated in the bylaws or pages searched. Ask the Town. No separate hen licence was found.  
**How long:** The Town's pages and bylaws do not state how long a Temporary Use Permit lasts.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Town Hall, 250-752-6921
- In person: Town Hall (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), #201 - 660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement, 250-738-2205

## Key facts

- **Hens allowed:** Backyard poultry (chickens and ducks) may be permitted through a Temporary Use Permit in zones R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R11, R12, R13, R15, R16 and R17, on parcels of at least 1,000 m². In zones where agriculture is not permitted, animals are otherwise limited to pets and urban beekeeping.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 5.1](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "zones are designated as areas where “backyard poultry” may be permitted through" … "a Temporary Use Permit in accordance with Section 492 of the Local Government" … "provided that the parcel size is a minimum of 1,000m²."
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 2 Definitions](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "backyard poultry means the keeping of chickens and ducks."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Most hens:** Up to six (the limit covers chickens and ducks together).
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 19](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "19. Backyard Poultry" … "(a) up to a maximum of six;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Roosters:** No. No roosters, cockerels or peacocks.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 19](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(b) there are no roosters, cockerels or peacocks;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Coop rules:** Coops must meet the required setbacks and be kept clean. Poultry may not be kept inside a dwelling unit, must be contained on the property, and manure and waste must be composted or disposed of properly. The Code of Practice for pullets, layers and spent fowl must be followed.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 19](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(c) structures to house chickens and ducks must comply with required" … "setbacks and be kept clean;" … "(d) poultry is not kept within a dwelling unit;" … "are followed."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permit or registration:** A Temporary Use Permit under section 492 of the Local Government Act is needed. The fee is not stated in the bylaws or pages searched.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 5.1](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "a Temporary Use Permit in accordance with Section 492 of the Local Government"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bees:** Urban beekeeping is allowed in zones where agriculture is not permitted: no more than two beehives and two nucleus colonies, for domestic or educational purposes, in the yard. A hive must be set back at least 7.5 m from any property line, or at least 2.5 m above the ground, or abut a solid fence or hedge 1.8 m high extending at least 6.0 m along the property line. (Sources differ: The Town's animal control page says bees are only allowed in Rural Zones 1, 2 and 3. Zoning Bylaw No. 900 allows urban beekeeping in other zones too. The bylaw wins.)
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 2 Definitions; s. 3.3 items 5 and 22](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "urban beekeeping means the keeping of not more than two beehives and two nucleus" … "(b) urban beekeeping" … "set back a minimum of 7.5m from any property line; or" … "situated a minimum of 2.5m above the ground; or"
  - Source: [Animal Control, Livestock](https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/bylaw-enforcement/animal-control/)
  - Official wording: "Keeping livestock and bees are only permitted in zones which permit agriculture, i.e. Rural Zones 1, 2 & 3."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Other livestock:** In zones where agriculture is not a permitted use, animals are limited to pets, urban beekeeping and (by temporary use permit in listed zones) backyard poultry. The Town says livestock may be kept only in Rural Zones 1, 2 and 3. Horses are banned from public beaches May 15 to September 30.
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 5](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the keeping of animals is restricted to the following:"
  - Source: [Animal Control, Livestock; Horses](https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/bylaw-enforcement/animal-control/)
  - Official wording: "In all other zones, animals are restricted to pets." … "Horses are prohibited on public beaches from May 15 to September 30."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024; Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009
  - Source: [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 19](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "P a g e | 41 19. Backyard Poultry The following regulations apply to Backyard Poultry:" … "ZONING BYLAW BYLAW NO. 900, 2024 For enquiries regarding this document please contact:"
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009, s. 1](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

[Zoning Bylaw No. 900](<https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version).pdf>) allows backyard poultry (chickens and ducks) through a Temporary Use Permit under section 492 of the Local Government Act. This is possible in zones R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R11, R12, R13, R15, R16 and R17, on parcels of at least 1,000 m². The limit is six birds, chickens and ducks together. No roosters, cockerels or peacocks are allowed.

In zones where agriculture is not permitted, animals are otherwise limited to pets and urban beekeeping.

## Coop rules

- Coops must meet the required setbacks and be kept clean. The section read gives no coop size or setback distance.
- Poultry may not be kept inside a dwelling unit and must be contained on the property.
- Manure and waste must be composted or disposed of properly.
- The Code of Practice for pullets, layers and spent fowl must be followed.

## Bees

Urban beekeeping is allowed in zones where agriculture is not permitted, for domestic or educational purposes, in the yard:

- No more than two beehives and two nucleus colonies.
- A hive must be at least 7.5 m from any property line, or at least 2.5 m above the ground, or abut a solid fence or hedge 1.8 m high extending at least 6.0 m along the property line.

## Steps

1. Ask Town Hall about a Temporary Use Permit for hens (250-752-6921). The fee is not stated in the bylaws or pages searched.
2. Check that your zone is on the list and your lot is at least 1,000 m².

## Good to know

- The Town's [animal control page](<https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/bylaw-enforcement/animal-control/>) says livestock and bees are only allowed in Rural Zones 1, 2 and 3, and does not mention the temporary use permit route. This answer follows the zoning bylaw; confirm with the Town.
- Horses are banned from public beaches from May 15 to September 30.

## Official forms and pages

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf)
- [Animal Control, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/bylaw-enforcement/animal-control/)

## Related questions

- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/how-many-pets.md)
- [Qualicum Beach dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-licence.md)
- [Qualicum Beach noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/noise-rules.md)
- [Qualicum Beach bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/bylaw-fines.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Port Alberni](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/backyard-chickens.md)
- [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/backyard-chickens.md)

## Sources

- [Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024/Zoning%20Bylaw%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20900%2C%202024%20(Combined%20Version%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Animal Control, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/town-services/bylaw-enforcement/animal-control/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Contact Us, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/government/contact-us/) (read 2026-11-06)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Town of Qualicum Beach. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/backyard-chickens/_