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

Backyard hens & livestock — Port Alberni, British Columbia: Zoning Bylaw No. 5105

In the City of Port Alberni, British Columbia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Zoning Bylaw No. 5105, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: up to six (6) female poultry on lots less than 2,000 m2 but more than 450 m2; no more than four (4) on lots less than 450 m2. Livestock rule: Lots less than 0.4 ha shall not be used for keeping cows, goats, horses, pigeons, or other animals except as provided in Section 6.23. Permit or licence: All persons wishing to keep bees must be registered with the BC Ministry of Agriculture.

Zoning Bylaw No. 5105 adopted bylaw

hens permitted	yes	s. 6.23.3
max hens	up to six (6) female poultry on lots less than 2,000 m2 but more than 450 m2; no more than four (4) on lots less than 450 m2	s. 6.23.3
roosters prohibited	yes	s. 6.23.1
bees permitted	yes	s. 6.23.7
livestock rule	Lots less than 0.4 ha shall not be used for keeping cows, goats, horses, pigeons, or other animals except as provided in Section 6.23.	s. 6.23.1 / s. 5.9.3(f) / s. 5.7.3(d)
permit or licence	All persons wishing to keep bees must be registered with the BC Ministry of Agriculture	s. 6.23.11
setback	Poultry: at least 3 m (10 ft) from any lot line; bees: minimum 7.5 m (25 ft) from neighbouring property line; A1 zone: 25 m (82 ft) from lot lines, 9 m (29.5 ft) from dwelling on same lot	s. 6.23.5; s. 6.23.9; s. 5.7.3(c)

scout note

Male poultry banned except on ALR/large lots; female poultry banned under 350 m2; up to 6 hens (4 on 350-450 m2 lots) allowed in enclosed runs on lots 450 m2-2,000 m2. Bees banned under 600 m2, then 2 hives (600-929 m2) or 4 hives (929 m2+), rear yard only, 7.5 m from property line, screened by 1.8 m fence.