{
 "topic": "backyard-hens",
 "label": "Backyard hens & livestock",
 "question": "Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?",
 "jurisdiction": "Nova Scotia",
 "country": "CA",
 "source": "https://govanswers.org/ca/ns/backyard-hens/",
 "municipalities": [
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003122",
   "name": "Amherst",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/amherst/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/amherst/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/amherst/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Amherst Land Use Bylaw P-2",
   "document_number": "P-2",
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/amherst/backyard-hens/bylaw-p-2/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Amherst, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Amherst Land Use Bylaw P-2, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Keeping agricultural animals is prohibited except on three listed lots with existing agricultural uses."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003123",
   "name": "Annapolis",
   "type": "County municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/annapolis/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/annapolis/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/annapolis/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Annapolis County Land Use Bylaw",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/annapolis/backyard-hens/annapolis-county-land-use-bylaw/",
   "answer": "In the County municipality of Annapolis, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Annapolis County Land Use Bylaw, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: 25 egg laying fowl and/or rabbits in R1; 100 egg laying fowl in R2. Livestock rule: R2: three cows, horses, goats, sheep, or pigs per acre; R1 only egg laying fowl/rabbits. Setback: Animal housing/manure storage: zone main-building lot-line setbacks; 50.0 m (165 feet) from any off-site dwelling."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003125",
   "name": "Antigonish",
   "type": "County municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/antigonish-county-municipality/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/antigonish-county-municipality/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/antigonish-county-municipality/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the County of Antigonish Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2024-06-11",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/antigonish-county-municipality/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-county-of-antigonish-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the County municipality of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the County of Antigonish Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: one (1) accessory structure, with a gross floor area no greater than 20.0 square metres (215.27 square feet), for the keeping of livestock."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003126",
   "name": "Antigonish",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/antigonish-town/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/antigonish-town/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/antigonish-town/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Antigonish Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2020-01-20",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/antigonish-town/backyard-hens/town-of-antigonish-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Antigonish Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: 4 laying hens. Livestock rule: No lot in any Residential Neighbourhood Zone shall be used for the rearing or farm animals, except for a maximum of 4 laying hens."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003128",
   "name": "Barrington",
   "type": "District municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/barrington/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/barrington/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/barrington/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the District of Barrington Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2013-11-25",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/barrington/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-district-of-barrington-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the District municipality of Barrington, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the District of Barrington Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Domestic Agriculture in RG/MU/RD: min lot area 15,000 sq ft; 29,000 sq ft if keeping horse(s) or cow(s)."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003130",
   "name": "Bridgewater",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/bridgewater/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/bridgewater/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/bridgewater/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Bridgewater Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2014-11-10",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/bridgewater/backyard-hens/town-of-bridgewater-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Bridgewater Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: two chickens (hens). Livestock rule: In all other instances, the rearing or keeping of livestock shall be strictly prohibited."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003131",
   "name": "Cape Breton",
   "type": "Regional municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/cape-breton/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/cape-breton/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/cape-breton/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Responsible Animal Husbandry By-law (No. R-100)",
   "document_number": "R-100",
   "adopted_date": "2019-03-12",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/cape-breton/backyard-hens/bylaw-r-100/",
   "answer": "In the Regional municipality of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Responsible Animal Husbandry By-law (No. R-100), verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Domestic livestock used solely to provide a product exclusively for the owner are permitted throughout the Regional Municipality."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003133",
   "name": "Clare",
   "type": "District municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/clare/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/clare/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/clare/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the District of Clare Land Use By-law (By-law #27)",
   "document_number": "27",
   "adopted_date": "2012-07-18",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/clare/backyard-hens/bylaw-27/",
   "answer": "In the District municipality of Clare, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the District of Clare Land Use By-law (By-law #27), verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Hobby farms permitted in any zone; must be contained by fencing, enclosures, or buildings; setbacks apply."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003137",
   "name": "Digby",
   "type": "District municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/digby-district-municipality/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/digby-district-municipality/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/digby-district-municipality/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of Digby Land Use By-law, By-law 2023-03",
   "document_number": "2023-03",
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/digby-district-municipality/backyard-hens/bylaw-2023-03/",
   "answer": "In the District municipality of Digby, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of Digby Land Use By-law, By-law 2023-03, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Domestic Scale Livestock: keeping livestock or fowl, excepting roosters, accessory to residential use, for personal use and enjoyment. Setback: 7.6 meters (25 ft.) from a property line; 22.8 meters (75 ft.) from an adjacent dwelling."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003138",
   "name": "Digby",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/digby-town/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/digby-town/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/digby-town/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "The Urban Chicken By-law No. 2020-02",
   "document_number": "2020-02",
   "adopted_date": "2020-09-08",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/digby-town/backyard-hens/bylaw-2020-02/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Digby, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by The Urban Chicken By-law No. 2020-02, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: six (6). Livestock rule: agricultural operations, including but not limited to the keeping of livestock are neither a permitted or discretionary use under the Town's Land Use Bylaw. Permit or licence: Chicken License required; annual Chicken Coop License Fee $30.00; development permit required for coop construction."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003139",
   "name": "East Hants",
   "type": "District municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/east-hants/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/east-hants/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/east-hants/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of East Hants Land Use Bylaw",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2023-07-27",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/east-hants/backyard-hens/municipality-of-east-hants-land-use-bylaw/",
   "answer": "In the District municipality of East Hants, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of East Hants Land Use Bylaw, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Ungulates permitted for personal use in CR, LR, R1, R2; shelter required, 6 m setback, 4,000 m2 first animal, +2,000 m2 each additional."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003140",
   "name": "Guysborough",
   "type": "District municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/guysborough/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/guysborough/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/guysborough/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the District of Guysborough Land Use Bylaw",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/guysborough/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-district-of-guysborough-land-use-bylaw/",
   "answer": "In the District municipality of Guysborough, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the District of Guysborough Land Use Bylaw, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: R-1 occupants may keep hoofed animals for pets/non-commercial use; min 1 acre first animal, 0.5 acre each additional. Setback: 20 ft (6.1 m) from rear and side yard lot lines; not in front yard."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003142",
   "name": "Inverness",
   "type": "County municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/inverness/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/inverness/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/inverness/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the County of Inverness Land Use By-law (2025)",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2025-05-22",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/inverness/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-county-of-inverness-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the County municipality of Inverness, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the County of Inverness Land Use By-law (2025), verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: one (1) accessory structure, gross floor area no greater than 20.0 square metres, for keeping livestock; fencing required."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003143",
   "name": "Kentville",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/kentville/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/kentville/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/kentville/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Kentville Land Use Bylaw (2019, updated October 2023)",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/kentville/backyard-hens/town-of-kentville-land-use-bylaw/",
   "answer": "The Town of Kentville, Nova Scotia has 1 adopted bylaw on file: Town of Kentville Land Use Bylaw (2019, updated October 2023), verified 2026-09-27."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003144",
   "name": "Kings",
   "type": "County municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/kings/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/kings/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/kings/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the County of Kings Land Use By-law (By-law 106)",
   "document_number": "106",
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/kings/backyard-hens/bylaw-106/",
   "answer": "The County municipality of Kings, Nova Scotia has 1 adopted bylaw on file: Municipality of the County of Kings Land Use By-law (By-law 106), verified 2026-09-27."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003147",
   "name": "Lunenburg",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/lunenburg-town/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/lunenburg-town/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/lunenburg-town/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Lunenburg Land Use By-law, 2021",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2021-07-27",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/lunenburg-town/backyard-hens/town-of-lunenburg-land-use-by-law-2021/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Lunenburg Land Use By-law, 2021, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Urban Agriculture excludes keeping any other livestock; Agricultural Uses are not permitted in residential use zones. Permit or licence: All hives and colonies shall be registered with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003148",
   "name": "Mahone Bay",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/mahone-bay/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/mahone-bay/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/mahone-bay/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Mahone Bay Land Use Bylaw, 2024",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2024-01-31",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/mahone-bay/backyard-hens/town-of-mahone-bay-land-use-bylaw-2024/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Mahone Bay Land Use Bylaw, 2024, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Commercial livestock operations prohibited; urban agriculture excludes other livestock; hobby livestock buildings permitted in Residential Unserviced (RU) Zone. Setback: Beehives: at least 3.0 metres from any lot line; located in rear yard or side yard that is not a flankage yard."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003151",
   "name": "New Glasgow",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/new-glasgow/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/new-glasgow/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/new-glasgow/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton and Westville (Common) Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/new-glasgow/backyard-hens/towns-of-new-glasgow-pictou-stellarton-trenton-and/",
   "answer": "In the Town of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton and Westville (Common) Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: R1 permits stables/kennels; hobby farm occupants may keep ungulates with 30.5 m shelter setback and 1 ha minimum."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003153",
   "name": "Pictou",
   "type": "County municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/pictou-county-municipality/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/pictou-county-municipality/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/pictou-county-municipality/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of Pictou County Land Use Bylaw (2025) - Hobby Livestock Farms",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2025-05-05",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/pictou-county-municipality/backyard-hens/municipality-of-pictou-county-land-use-bylaw-hobby/",
   "answer": "In the County municipality of Pictou, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of Pictou County Land Use Bylaw (2025) - Hobby Livestock Farms, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Livestock operations are not permitted in Residential Community Zone; hobby livestock farms are permitted subject to Part 5. Permit or licence: Development permit required; fees in conformance with the fee schedule adopted by resolution of Council."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003154",
   "name": "Pictou",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/pictou-town/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/pictou-town/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/pictou-town/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Towns of Pictou, Stellarton, and Trenton (Common) Land Use By-law (2025) - Hobby Farms",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/pictou-town/backyard-hens/towns-of-pictou-stellarton-and-trenton-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Pictou, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Towns of Pictou, Stellarton, and Trenton (Common) Land Use By-law (2025) - Hobby Farms, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: R1 Zone occupants permitted to keep ungulates for Use as pets or other non-Commercial purposes (including a hobby farm), subject to s. 34 conditions. Setback: 30.5 metre (100 foot) from the Rear and Side Yard Lot Lines; existing nonconforming accessory building not within 15.2 metres (50 feet) of any property line."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003156",
   "name": "Queens",
   "type": "Regional municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/queens/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/queens/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/queens/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Region of Queens Municipality Land Use Bylaw (2022) - Fowl, Rabbits and Household Livestock",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2022-05-24",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/queens/backyard-hens/region-of-queens-municipality-land-use-bylaw-fowl-rabbits/",
   "answer": "In the Regional municipality of Queens, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Region of Queens Municipality Land Use Bylaw (2022) - Fowl, Rabbits and Household Livestock, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: 10 or fewer fowl and/or rabbits. Permit or licence: no development permit is required. Setback: Coops: zone accessory building setbacks; animal housing/manure: double main building setbacks from lot lines, 50 m from off-site dwelling."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003157",
   "name": "Richmond",
   "type": "County municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/richmond/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/richmond/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/richmond/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the County of Richmond Land Use By-law (Plan Richmond) - Accessory Agriculture Uses",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2024-01-29",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/richmond/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-county-of-richmond-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the County municipality of Richmond, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the County of Richmond Land Use By-law (Plan Richmond) - Accessory Agriculture Uses, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: One accessory structure for keeping livestock, max 20.0 m²; fencing required under Fences and Detention of Stray Livestock Act."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003160",
   "name": "St. Mary's",
   "type": "District municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/st-mary-s/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/st-mary-s/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/st-mary-s/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the District of St. Mary's Land Use By-Law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2022-10-18",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/st-mary-s/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-district-of-st-mary-s-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the District municipality of St. Mary's, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the District of St. Mary's Land Use By-Law, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: 5 in the Low Density Residential Zone and Medium Density Residential Zone, and 15 in all other zones. Permit or licence: No Development Permit is required for keeping fowl and/or rabbits (subject to s. 4.29 provisions)."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003161",
   "name": "Stellarton",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/stellarton/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/stellarton/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/stellarton/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Towns of Pictou, Stellarton, and Trenton (Common) Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2024-10-15",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/stellarton/backyard-hens/towns-of-pictou-stellarton-and-trenton-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Stellarton, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Towns of Pictou, Stellarton, and Trenton (Common) Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: R1 permits keeping ungulates as pets/non-commercial (hobby farm) with conditions; other residential zones prohibit keeping livestock."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003162",
   "name": "Stewiacke",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/stewiacke/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/stewiacke/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/stewiacke/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Stewiacke Consolidated Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": null,
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/stewiacke/backyard-hens/town-of-stewiacke-consolidated-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Stewiacke Consolidated Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: five. Livestock rule: Horses permitted: minimum lot area 1 acre (.4 hectares) for first animal plus .5 acres (.2 hectares) for each subsequent animal. Setback: 3 feet (1 metre) from a property line."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003163",
   "name": "Trenton",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/trenton/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/trenton/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/trenton/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Towns of Pictou, Stellarton, and Trenton (Common) Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2024-10-22",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/trenton/backyard-hens/towns-of-pictou-stellarton-and-trenton-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Trenton, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Towns of Pictou, Stellarton, and Trenton (Common) Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: R1 occupants may keep ungulates as pets/non-commercial; min lot 1 hectare (2.5 acres) first animal, additional 0.2 hectare (1/2 acre) each. Setback: 30.5 metre (100 foot) from the Rear and Side Yard Lot Lines."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003164",
   "name": "Truro",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/truro/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/truro/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/truro/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Truro Community Plan Land Use By-law (Part 7)",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2023-11-06",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/truro/backyard-hens/town-of-truro-community-plan-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Truro, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Town of Truro Community Plan Land Use By-law (Part 7), verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: 1 animal unit per 93.0 m2 (1,000 ft2) of lot area; 1 Chicken = 1 Unit. Livestock rule: Horses: 44 animal units; lots ≥465 m2; 1 unit per 93 m2; 75% lot area for pasturage/shelter except chickens/bees. Permit or licence: Beekeeper & Apiary Registration from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture required; no fee stated."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003165",
   "name": "Victoria",
   "type": "County municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/victoria/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/victoria/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/victoria/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the County of Victoria Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2025-05-26",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/victoria/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-county-of-victoria-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the County municipality of Victoria, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the County of Victoria Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: one accessory structure, gross floor area no greater than 20.0 square metres, for keeping livestock."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003166",
   "name": "West Hants",
   "type": "Regional municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/west-hants/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/west-hants/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/west-hants/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the District of West Hants Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2008-05-13",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/west-hants/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-district-of-west-hants-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the Regional municipality of West Hants, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the District of West Hants Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Max hens: Chickens included in total animal limits: 5, 10, or 15 depending on lot size; max 8 animal units on >1 acre. Livestock rule: Household livestock permitted in residential/resource zones; no livestock on <1 acre in Growth Centres; other livestock limited by animal units."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003167",
   "name": "Westville",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/westville/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/westville/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/westville/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton and Westville (Common) Land Use By-law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2016-02-22",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/westville/backyard-hens/towns-of-new-glasgow-pictou-stellarton-trenton-and/",
   "answer": "In the Town of Westville, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton and Westville (Common) Land Use By-law, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: permitted to keep ungulates for Use as pets or other non-Commercial purposes (including a hobby farm). Setback: not located in the Front Yard; minimum Setback distance of 30.5 metre (100 foot) from the Rear and Side Yard Lot Lines."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003168",
   "name": "Wolfville",
   "type": "Town",
   "path": "/ca/ns/wolfville/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/wolfville/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/wolfville/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Town of Wolfville Land Use Bylaw",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2026-05-13",
   "transcript_url": null,
   "answer": "The Town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia has 1 adopted bylaw on file: Town of Wolfville Land Use Bylaw, verified 2026-09-27."
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003169",
   "name": "Yarmouth",
   "type": "District municipality",
   "path": "/ca/ns/yarmouth-district-municipality/",
   "answer_page": "/ca/ns/yarmouth-district-municipality/backyard-hens/",
   "json": "/ca/ns/yarmouth-district-municipality/backyard-hens.json",
   "status": "found",
   "n_adopted": 1,
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27",
   "document": "Municipality of the District of Yarmouth Land Use By-Law",
   "document_number": null,
   "adopted_date": "2025-01-22",
   "transcript_url": "/ca/ns/yarmouth-district-municipality/backyard-hens/municipality-of-the-district-of-yarmouth-land-use-by-law/",
   "answer": "In the District municipality of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, backyard hens & livestock rules are set by Municipality of the District of Yarmouth Land Use By-Law, verified 2026-09-27. Livestock rule: Household livestock operations permitted in residential zones subject to s. 7.7: min lot 4,000 m2; animal housing max 340 m2; 50 m setbacks."
  }
 ],
 "not_on_file": [
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003124",
   "name": "Annapolis Royal",
   "path": "/ca/ns/annapolis-royal/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003127",
   "name": "Argyle",
   "path": "/ca/ns/argyle/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003129",
   "name": "Berwick",
   "path": "/ca/ns/berwick/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003132",
   "name": "Chester",
   "path": "/ca/ns/chester/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003134",
   "name": "Clark's Harbour",
   "path": "/ca/ns/clark-s-harbour/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003135",
   "name": "Colchester",
   "path": "/ca/ns/colchester/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003136",
   "name": "Cumberland",
   "path": "/ca/ns/cumberland/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003141",
   "name": "Halifax",
   "path": "/ca/ns/halifax/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003145",
   "name": "Lockeport",
   "path": "/ca/ns/lockeport/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003146",
   "name": "Lunenburg",
   "path": "/ca/ns/lunenburg-district-municipality/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003149",
   "name": "Middleton",
   "path": "/ca/ns/middleton/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003150",
   "name": "Mulgrave",
   "path": "/ca/ns/mulgrave/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003152",
   "name": "Oxford",
   "path": "/ca/ns/oxford/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003155",
   "name": "Port Hawkesbury",
   "path": "/ca/ns/port-hawkesbury/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003158",
   "name": "Shelburne",
   "path": "/ca/ns/shelburne-district-municipality/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003159",
   "name": "Shelburne",
   "path": "/ca/ns/shelburne-town/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  },
  {
   "municipality_id": "gx-003170",
   "name": "Yarmouth",
   "path": "/ca/ns/yarmouth-town/",
   "status": "found",
   "last_verified": "2026-09-27"
  }
 ]
}