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

Backyard hens & livestock — Heart's Content, Newfoundland and Labrador

In the Town of Heart's Content, Newfoundland and Labrador, hens permitted: True; max hens: varies by lot size; 1.0 AU (6 chickens) for lots >1,000-2,000 m2; livestock rule: Discretionary use on residential lots; large livestock (horses, cows) require min 3,000 m2 lot size.; permit or licence: permit issued by Council... expire on December 31 st and must be renewed. Source: Town of Heart's Content Development Regulations 2023-2033, verified 2026-08-29.

Town of Heart's Content Development Regulations 2023-2033 adopted bylaw

hens permitted	True	s. 5.12(1), s. 5.12(2)
max hens	varies by lot size; 1.0 AU (6 chickens) for lots >1,000-2,000 m2	s. 5.12(6); Part 2 "ANIMAL UNIT FOR PERSONAL USE"
livestock rule	Discretionary use on residential lots; large livestock (horses, cows) require min 3,000 m2 lot size.	s. 5.12(1), s. 5.12(2), s. 5.12(5)
permit or licence	permit issued by Council... expire on December 31 st and must be renewed	s. 5.12(3)
setback	two (2) metres of the side and rear boundaries... five (5) metres of the rear wall of the main dwelling	s. 5.12(8)(b)

scout note

Personal livestock use is discretionary/accessory on residential lots with a Council permit (expires Dec 31). Small livestock (chickens, ducks, geese, quail, rabbits, turkeys) needs 600 m2 min lot; caps run 0.67-2+ animal units by lot size; facilities need setbacks, size limits and a 1.8m fence.