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

Backyard hens & livestock — Merritt, British Columbia

In the City of Merritt, British Columbia, hens permitted: True; roosters prohibited: True; bees permitted: True; livestock rule: Urban Agriculture use includes Backyard Hens and Beekeeping, but excludes fur bearing animals or other livestock and fungi.. Source: Zoning Bylaw No. 2284, 2020, verified 2026-08-28.

Zoning Bylaw No. 2284, 2020 adopted bylaw

hens permitted	True	s. 4.39.1
roosters prohibited	True	2.2.1
bees permitted	True	s. 4.40.2
livestock rule	Urban Agriculture use includes Backyard Hens and Beekeeping, but excludes fur bearing animals or other livestock and fungi.	2.2.1
setback	Hens: minimum of 1.2 metres from any Parcel Line; Bees: Interior Side, Exterior Side and Rear Setbacks of 2.0 metres	s. 4.39.3; s. 4.40.5

scout note

Backyard hens permitted in R1, R3, P2, P3 zones, one enclosure per property, rear yard, 1.2m setback, not visible from street. Beekeeping allowed in R1/R3 with neighbour consent, up to 6 hives depending on lot size, 2.0m setbacks.