Backyard hens & livestock — Quesnel, British Columbia
Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?
In the City of Quesnel, British Columbia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Zoning Bylaw No. 1980, verified 2026-08-28. Max hens: four (4). Livestock rule: Agricultural uses permitted in CR-1 on lots >2 ha; not listed in RS zones. Permit or licence: Hobby beekeepers must register with the BC Ministry of Agriculture.
Zoning Bylaw No. 1980
adopted bylaw
hens permitted
yes
10.2(h); 3.1
max hens
four (4)
4.28.1(a)
roosters prohibited
yes
4.28.1(b)
bees permitted
yes
10.2(h); 3.1
livestock rule
Agricultural uses permitted in CR-1 on lots >2 ha; not listed in RS zones.
9.2(b); 10.2
permit or licence
Hobby beekeepers must register with the BC Ministry of Agriculture
4.28.2(a)
setback
Hen enclosures: 1.0 metre from lot line, 6.0 metres from dwelling windows/doors; Beehives: 3.0 metres from lot line
4.28.1(c); 4.28.2(f)
scout note
Backyard hens: max 4 hens/lot, coop 1.0m from lot line, rear yards only, max coop area 9.2 sq m. Beehives: max 2 per lot under 929 sq m, max 4 over 929 sq m; must be 3.0m from lot line, behind a 1.8m fence/hedge or 2.4m off ground.
Animal, Bird and Insect Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1700 (Consolidated)
Max 4 bee colonies per parcel, beehives 5m from any property line; apiaries and chicken/pigeon keeping restricted to zoning-designated areas. Older numbers than the current Zoning Bylaw 1980 (which supersedes for hens/bees specifics).