Backyard hens & livestock — Esquimalt, British Columbia

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

In the District Municipality of Esquimalt, British Columbia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050, verified 2026-09-24. Livestock rule: Considered an urban agricultural use accessory to residential dwellings only. Setback: at least 1.5 metres from any Lot Line.

Zoning Bylaw, 1992, No. 2050 adopted bylaw
hens permitted yes s. 30.4(2)
bees permitted yes s. 30.4(5)
livestock rule Considered an urban agricultural use accessory to residential dwellings only. s. 30.4(2)
setback at least 1.5 metres from any Lot Line s. 30.4(3)
scout note

Section 30.4: permits one urban hen structure and up to 3 beehives per residential parcel, structures ≥1.5 m from lot lines, hen coops screened if in front yard; cross-references Animal Management Bylaw No. 2841.

Machine-readable: backyard-hens.json · Official website: http://www.esquimalt.ca/ · Last verified 2026-09-24 · Backyard hens & livestock across British Columbia · Backyard hens & livestock in other municipalities