The Town of Qualicum Beach council has given second reading to bylaw amendments concerned with allowing backyard poultry in residential zones.
A public hearing will be held in council chambers on April 6 at 10 a.m. to allow residents a chance to provide input. Council voted to endorsed the second reading of the amendments at their regular council meeting on March 16 with Coun. Teunis Westbroek opposed. Coun. Robert Filmer was not present.
READ MORE: Qualicum Beach council again revisits issue of allowing backyard chickens
The plan is to introduce a licensing system, setback and size requirements for coops and runs, and that only properties with at least 1,000 square metres of parcel area are allowed the backyard poultry.
A maximum of six hens, chickens or ducks will be permitted per parcel and restrictions on slaughtering, sale of any products associated with backyard poultry, including eggs, manure and meat will be imposed.
Town planner Luke Sales said council will get an opportunity to look at a sliding scale, whereby a tiered system may be applied to smaller properties with less than 1,000 square metres to only be allowed four hens rather than six.
Coun. Scott Harrison indicated he wants to hear the public input and look at the sliding scale option before third reading.