Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?
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 of Pictou County Land Use Bylaw (2025) - Hobby Livestock Farms
adopted bylaw
livestock rule
Livestock operations are not permitted in Residential Community Zone; hobby livestock farms are permitted subject to Part 5.
Table 7E; s. 5.23
permit or licence
Development permit required; fees in conformance with the fee schedule adopted by resolution of Council.
s. 4.1.1; s. 4.4.1(b)
scout note
Hobby Livestock Farms provision permits keeping livestock (incl. poultry) on a lot with one main shelter building up to 100 sq m plus three accessory buildings up to 20 sq m each; owners must fence adequately per the provincial Fences and Detention of Stray Livestock Act.