Aurora, CO Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Hive setback
- 5 ft from property line
- Flyway barrier trigger
- within 25 ft of property line
- Colony cap, 1/4 acre lot
- 2 colonies
- Colony cap, 1 acre+ lot
- 8 colonies
- No colony cap
- hives 200+ ft from all lines
Summary
Aurora, Colorado allows backyard beehives but regulates hive type, setbacks, flyway barriers, and colony counts by lot size under City Code § 14-15.
(b) Hives. All bee colonies shall be kept in inspectable type hives with removable combs, which shall be kept in sound and usable condition. (c) Setback. All hives shall be located at least five feet from any adjoining property with the back of the hive facing the nearest adjoining property. (h) Colony densities. (1) It shall be unlawful to keep more than the following number of colonies on any tract within the City...a. One-quarter acre or less tract size—Two colonies; ... d. One acre or larger tract size—Eight colonies.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Aurora's animal code addresses beekeeping directly rather than through the UDO. Hives must be inspectable-type with removable combs, kept at least 5 feet from any adjoining property line with the hive's back facing that line. If a colony sits within 25 feet of a developed property line, the keeper must install a 6-foot flyway barrier extending 10 feet past the hive on each side. Colony counts are capped by tract size: 2 on a quarter acre or less, 4 up to a half acre, 6 up to an acre, 8 on an acre or more, with no cap if every hive sits at least 200 feet from all property lines. Water must be kept on-site so bees don't swarm pools or birdbaths, and aggressive colonies must be removed.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant hives, unpermitted swarms, or abandoned colonies are unlawful and may be summarily destroyed or removed by the city manager or designee under § 14-15(i); general chapter penalties run through City Code § 1-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in Aurora, Colorado without a special permit?
How many beehives can I have on a small residential lot in Aurora, CO?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle beekeeping.