FAQs

Council manages By-laws in conjunction with its Enforcement Policy. The aim of enforcement is to ensure that the issue is solved. In most cases, Council will try to encourage and educate in the first instance of a breach. 

Under the proposed Domestic Livestock and Bee Management By-law, residents within township areas would require Council permission to keep:

• Roosters
• Beehives
• Livestock (including horses, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, and similar animals)

Permission would be assessed based on:

• Relevant Codes of Practice and industry standards
• Compliance with nuisance legislation
• Site suitability (e.g. property size, fencing, animal welfare provisions)
• Potential for impact on neighbours and the local environment

Conditions may be placed on approvals to manage these risks, and permissions may be revoked if not adhered to.

You’ll need a permit whenever another Council By-law says one is required — for example, to place objects on a footpath or conduct an event.

Yes, if you already have a rooster, bees or livestock in a township you will be able to keep them. If we receive complaints that they are causing a nuisance, we may investigate under the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act.

From 1 January 2026 (when the proposed By-law would come into effect), residents within designated townships will be required to get approval to have any new roosters, bees or livestock on their property. 

Use the Townships Map available on the Hills Local Laws engagement page to explore the different townships located within the Adelaide Hills Council. 

No, chickens are not included under the livestock that will require a permit application for residents who live within a designated township. 

To see the full list of livestock that will require a permit application under the proposed new By-law No.7 Domestic Livestock and Bee Management, please view the proposed By-law.