Qualicum Beach backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules
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.
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.Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 5.1; Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 2 Definitions · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingzones 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. backyard poultry means the keeping of chickens and ducks. |
|---|---|
| Most hens | Up to six (the limit covers chickens and ducks together).Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 19 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wording19. Backyard Poultry (a) up to a maximum of six; |
| Roosters | No. No roosters, cockerels or peacocks.Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 19 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wording(b) there are no roosters, cockerels or peacocks; |
| 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.Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 19 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official 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. |
| 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.Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 5.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordinga Temporary Use Permit in accordance with Section 492 of the Local Government |
| 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.Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 2 Definitions; s. 3.3 items 5 and 22; Animal Control, Livestock · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingurban 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 Keeping livestock and bees are only permitted in zones which permit agriculture, i.e. Rural Zones 1, 2 & 3. |
| 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.Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 5; Animal Control, Livestock; Horses · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingthe keeping of animals is restricted to the following: In all other zones, animals are restricted to pets. Horses are prohibited on public beaches from May 15 to September 30. |
| Bylaw | Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024; Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version, s. 3.3 General Regulations, item 19; Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009, s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingP 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: Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009 |
How it works
Zoning Bylaw No. 900 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
- Ask Town Hall about a Temporary Use Permit for hens (250-752-6921). The fee is not stated in the bylaws or pages searched.
- 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 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
The same question in other places
Parksville · Lantzville · Port Alberni · Nanaimo · Sechelt · Comox
Backyard chicken rules in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, combined version (PDF) (read 2026-11-06)
- Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009 (PDF) (read 2026-11-06)
- Animal Control, Town of Qualicum Beach (read 2026-11-06)
- Contact Us, Town of Qualicum Beach (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. How answers are checked.