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

Backyard hens & livestock — Kingston, Ontario

In the City of Kingston, Ontario, hens permitted: True; max hens: six (6); roosters prohibited: True; livestock rule: No Livestock or Poultry on any property except Agricultural Property, 5+ acre properties, City-service horses, vet clinics, or temporary events.. Source: Animal Control Bylaw, verified 2026-08-28.

Animal Control Bylaw adopted bylaw

hens permitted	True	Schedule C, 1
max hens	six (6)	Schedule C, 4(a)
roosters prohibited	True	"Poultry includes game birds and roosters"; s. 11.1
livestock rule	No Livestock or Poultry on any property except Agricultural Property, 5+ acre properties, City-service horses, vet clinics, or temporary events.	s. 11.1
permit or licence	Hen Coop permit required on Residential Property; annual permit fee as set out in the Fees and Charges Bylaw	Schedule C, 1; s. 7.1
setback	Coops/Runs: min 1.2 m from rear and side property lines; min 3 m from windows/doors of abutting Dwellings	Schedule C, 4(d) and 4(g)

scout note

Bylaw 2021-166 Schedule C permits up to 6 hens (no roosters) on residential property with a Hen Coop permit; coop must be 1.2m from side/rear lot lines, 15m from schools, not in front/side yard. Schedule D separately regulates pigeon keeping.