Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?

Backyard hens & livestock — Bow Island, Alberta: Town of Bow Island Urban Hen Bylaw No. 2026_03

In the Town of Bow Island, Alberta, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Bow Island Urban Hen Bylaw No. 2026_03, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: up to four (4) urban hens. Livestock rule: Agricultural operations, including but not limited to the keeping of livestock, are neither a permitted or discretionary use under Bylaws of the Town. Permit or licence: Urban hen licence required; annual fee as set out in current Town of Bow Island Fees and Rates Bylaw; PID registration required.

Town of Bow Island Urban Hen Bylaw No. 2026_03 adopted bylaw

hens permitted	yes	s. 4.2
max hens	up to four (4) urban hens	s. 4.2
roosters prohibited	yes	s. 3.1(a)
livestock rule	Agricultural operations, including but not limited to the keeping of livestock, are neither a permitted or discretionary use under Bylaws of the Town.	s. 2.10
permit or licence	Urban hen licence required; annual fee as set out in current Town of Bow Island Fees and Rates Bylaw; PID registration required.	s. 3.1(b); s. 4.2(b); s. 4.9(g)
setback	minimum 3.0m (9.84 ft.) from a dwelling; minimum 1m (3.28 ft.) from any lot line; minimum 3.6m (11.81 ft.) from any street adjacent to the property	s. 5.1(b)(ii)-(iv)

scout note

Licenses up to 4 urban hens per property (town-wide licence cap around 10); roosters banned; coop needs 0.92 sq m+ outdoor enclosure, a nest box and perch, secured at all times, kept sanitary and rodent-proof.