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

Backyard hens & livestock — Saanich, British Columbia: Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556 (consolidated)

In the District Municipality of Saanich, British Columbia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556 (consolidated), verified 2026-08-28. Max hens: maximum of five hens. Livestock rule: Prohibited in RS Zone unless parcel >0.65 hectares; max two farm animals. Permit or licence: Registration of flock of hens required; no fee payable.

Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556 (consolidated) adopted bylaw

hens permitted	yes	s. 38.3
max hens	maximum of five hens	s. 38.3
roosters prohibited	yes	s. 40
bees permitted	yes	s. 48.1
livestock rule	Prohibited in RS Zone unless parcel >0.65 hectares; max two farm animals.	s. 4
permit or licence	Registration of flock of hens required; no fee payable	s. 38.6, s. 38.7
setback	3 m from rear/side lot lines (coop); 6.05 m from property line (hive)	s. 38.4, s. 49

scout note

Up to 5 hens allowed on residential lots 557m2+ (registration required, owner must live on site); coop setbacks 3m from lot lines/windows, max 2m high. Bees: up to 4 hives on RS-zone lots over 465m2, hives 6m from property lines.