Aurora, IL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- §14-15
- Registration
- Required
- State Law
- 510 ILCS 20
- Water Source
- Required on-site
Summary
Aurora regulates beekeeping under City Code Section 14-15. Hives must be registered and maintained according to setback and management standards. Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20) provides the state regulatory framework.
Sec. 2. (a) Every person keeping one or more colonies of bees shall register with the Department annually. (b) Every person keeping one or more colonies of bees may be required to post his or her registration number in a prominent place within each apiary under his or her control. (Source: P.A. 88-138.) (510 ILCS 20/2-1) Sec. 2-1. Nuisances. All bees, colonies, or items of bee equipment, where bee diseases, bee parasites or exotic strains of bees exist; or hives that cannot be readily inspected; or colonies that are not registered, are declared to be nuisances to be regulated as prescribed by the Department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Aurora City Code Section 14-15 addresses beekeeping within city limits. Beekeepers must register hives and comply with setback requirements from property lines and neighboring structures. The Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20) provides the state-level regulatory framework requiring inspection and disease management. Hives should be oriented so flight paths do not cross neighboring yards at ground level. Water sources must be provided on-site to prevent bees from using neighboring pools or birdbaths. Aurora's diverse neighborhoods include areas near the Fox River with ample foraging habitat.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered hives: citation. Nuisance conditions: removal order. State violations: IL Dept of Agriculture enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in Aurora IL?
How many hives can I have in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle beekeeping.