Aurora permits backyard beekeeping with a permit. Up to 2 hives on lots under 1/2 acre, more on larger lots. Hives must be set back from property lines and registered with the state under the Colorado Apiary Act.
Aurora allows residential beekeeping under the Unified Development Ordinance and Chapter 14 animal code. Lots under 1/2 acre may keep up to 2 hives; 1/2 to 1 acre allows 4 hives; larger lots allow more. Hives must be placed at least 10 feet from any property line and 25 feet from a dwelling on an adjoining lot, or have a 6-foot flyway barrier (fence, hedge) to direct bee flight upward. A water source on the beekeeper's property is required. The Colorado Apiary Act (Title 35, Article 25 C.R.S.) requires all apiaries in the state to be registered with the Colorado Department of Agriculture annually for a nominal fee. Africanized honey bees are prohibited. Hive inspections may be conducted by state officials.
Unpermitted or nuisance hives can be ordered removed. Failure to register with the state is a separate agricultural violation.
Aurora, CO
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