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

Backyard hens & livestock — Lake Cowichan, British Columbia

In the Town of Lake Cowichan, British Columbia, hens permitted: True; max hens: six (6); setback: located not less than 1.0 m from the rear parcel line, exterior side parcel line and interior side parcel lines; located not less than 3.0 m from any door or window of a dwelling unit. Source: Zoning Bylaw No. 1055-2021 (Consolidated 2026-02-24), verified 2026-08-28.

Zoning Bylaw No. 1055-2021 (Consolidated 2026-02-24) adopted bylaw

hens permitted	True	GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR BACKYARD HENS
max hens	six (6)	GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR BACKYARD HENS
setback	located not less than 1.0 m from the rear parcel line, exterior side parcel line and interior side parcel lines; located not less than 3.0 m from any door or window of a dwelling unit	GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR BACKYARD HENS

scout note

Zoning bylaw allows up to 6 backyard hens on R-1/R-2/R-4 lots over 450 m2; coop must be 1m from side/rear lines, 3m from windows, in rear yard, under 3m tall; slaughtering prohibited; riparian setbacks apply.