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

Backyard hens & livestock — West Hants, Nova Scotia: Municipality of the District of West Hants Land Use By-law

In the Regional municipality of West Hants, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the District of West Hants Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: Chickens included in total animal limits: 5, 10, or 15 depending on lot size; max 8 animal units on >1 acre. Livestock rule: Household livestock permitted in residential/resource zones; no livestock on <1 acre in Growth Centres; other livestock limited by animal units.

Municipality of the District of West Hants Land Use By-law adopted bylaw

hens permitted	yes	s. 5.17
max hens	Chickens included in total animal limits: 5, 10, or 15 depending on lot size; max 8 animal units on >1 acre	s. 5.17(e)-(f)
roosters prohibited	no	s. 5.17(e)(i) "including Roosters, Broilers and Laying Hens"
livestock rule	Household livestock permitted in residential/resource zones; no livestock on <1 acre in Growth Centres; other livestock limited by animal units.	s. 5.17
setback	Non-intensive livestock structure on >1 acre: 50 ft from adjoining property in Growth Centre/Village/Hamlet, 40 ft in resource, 40 ft from public street/private road, 100 ft from water well/watercourse (s. 18.6). On <1 acre, accessory building rules apply (s. 18.8, 5.1).	s. 18.6; s. 18.8; s. 5.1

scout note

Household livestock (chickens incl. hens/roosters, rabbits, turkeys, sheep, hogs) permitted in residential/resource zones on lots under 1 acre, capped at 5/10/15 animals by lot size; larger lots use an animal-unit formula; must be fenced/contained. (Provision added by Amendment 17-01, effective 2019-04-03.)