Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?
In the Town of Comox, British Columbia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Beekeeping Bylaw No. 872 and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-08-28. Setback: within twenty-five feet of any property line. Max hens: six. Livestock rule: Livestock not included in Agriculture, Urban definition, the only agricultural use permitted in residential zones.
| bees permitted | yes | BY-LAW TO REGULATE THE MOVING AND KEEPING OF BEES |
| setback | within twenty-five feet of any property line | s. 3(d) |
Max 2 bee colonies per parcel (contiguous same-owner parcels count as one); hives must be 25 ft from property lines unless elevated or screened by a 4-ft fence/hedge extending 20 ft each way. Adopted 1988; exact date illegible.
| hens permitted | yes | Table 6.7(1), Row (i) |
| max hens | six | Table 6.7(1), Row (i) |
| roosters prohibited | yes | Table 6.7(1), Row (i) |
| livestock rule | Livestock not included in Agriculture, Urban definition, the only agricultural use permitted in residential zones. | Section 4; Table 9.2(1) |
| setback | Chicken coops shall be setback a minimum of 3.5 metres from a rear or interior side lot line, and a minimum of 4.0 metres from an exterior side lot line. Chicken coops shall be setback a minimum of 1.0 metre from all dwelling units on the lot. | Table 6.7(1), Row (c) |
Max 6 hens, zero roosters per lot (min 1,500 m2); coops setback 3.5-4 m from side/exterior lines, rear yard only, max 5 m2 floor area; egg sales limited to on-site production.