Backyard hens & livestock — Quesnel, British Columbia

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

In the City of Quesnel, British Columbia, hens permitted: True; max hens: four (4); roosters prohibited: True; bees permitted: True. Source: Zoning Bylaw No. 1980, verified 2026-08-28.

Zoning Bylaw No. 1980 adopted bylaw
hens permitted True 10.2(h); 3.1
max hens four (4) 4.28.1(a)
roosters prohibited True 4.28.1(b)
bees permitted True 10.2(h); 3.1
livestock rule Agricultural uses permitted in CR-1 on lots >2 ha; not listed in RS zones. 9.2(b); 10.2
permit or licence Hobby beekeepers must register with the BC Ministry of Agriculture 4.28.2(a)
setback Hen enclosures: 1.0 metre from lot line, 6.0 metres from dwelling windows/doors; Beehives: 3.0 metres from lot line 4.28.1(c); 4.28.2(f)
scout note

Backyard hens: max 4 hens/lot, coop 1.0m from lot line, rear yards only, max coop area 9.2 sq m. Beehives: max 2 per lot under 929 sq m, max 4 over 929 sq m; must be 3.0m from lot line, behind a 1.8m fence/hedge or 2.4m off ground.

Animal, Bird and Insect Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1700 (Consolidated)

Max 4 bee colonies per parcel, beehives 5m from any property line; apiaries and chicken/pigeon keeping restricted to zoning-designated areas. Older numbers than the current Zoning Bylaw 1980 (which supersedes for hens/bees specifics).

Machine-readable: backyard-hens.json · Official website: https://quesnel.ca/ · Last verified 2026-08-28 · Backyard hens & livestock in other municipalities