Battle Creek, MI Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Hive setback
- 30 feet from property lines, 100 feet from adjacent homes
- Flyway barrier
- Six-foot solid wall or fence, 10 to 15 feet from entrance
- Water source
- Within 20 feet of the hives
- Registration
- Required, with address, number and placement of hives
- Smallest listed lot
- 30,000 to 43,559 square feet, 2 hives
- Water and stream buffer
- 100 feet from any well, spring or stream
Summary
In the City of Battle Creek, Michigan, honey bees must be kept in the rear yard at least 30 feet from adjacent property lines and 100 feet from neighboring homes, behind a six-foot flyway barrier, and registered with the City. The lot size table starts at 30,000 square feet.
(4) Honey bees may be kept subject to the following requirements: A. Honey bees shall be kept in the rear yard at least 30 feet from all adjacent property lines and 100 feet from residential structures located on adjacent properties. B. A six-foot high solid wall or fence extending 15 feet beyond the hive on both sides shall be located 10 to 15 feet from the hive entrance to direct forging bees above human height. C. An adequate and constant water source, as temperatures allow, shall be placed within 20 feet of the beehives and permanently maintained while actively beekeeping to prevent bees from congregating at swimming pools, pet water bowls, birdbaths or other water sources where they may cause human, bird or domestic pet contact. D. Beekeeping operations shall be compliant with the State of Michigan Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Beekeeping and Apiary Management. ... (4) The keeping of honey bees require registration with the City of Battle Creek identifying the address, number and placement of beehives and compliance with the requirements of Section 608.30 .
Full Breakdown
Section 608.30(c)(4) of the Battle Creek Codified Ordinances sets four requirements for keeping honey bees in the City of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. Hives sit in the rear yard at least 30 feet from all adjacent property lines and 100 feet from residential structures on adjacent properties. A six-foot high solid wall or fence extending 15 feet beyond the hive on both sides must stand 10 to 15 feet from the hive entrance to direct foraging bees above human height. A constant water source, as temperatures allow, must be within 20 feet of the hives and permanently maintained during active beekeeping, so bees do not congregate at swimming pools, pet water bowls or birdbaths. Operations must also comply with the State of Michigan's agricultural and management practices for beekeeping and apiary management.
Hive counts depend on lot size. Each hive counts as one animal unit, and the table in Section 608.30(b)(2) lists 2 animal units for lots of 30,000 to 43,559 square feet, 3 for 43,560 to 65,339 square feet, and 4 for 65,340 square feet or more. No more than one type of urban livestock is allowed per property unless the property exceeds 3 acres, and no urban livestock can be kept within one hundred feet of any well, spring or stream. Section 608.30(a) limits urban livestock to single and two-family residential parcels as an accessory use at the premises occupied by the owner of the livestock.
Bees require registration rather than a licence: Section 608.30(e)(4) says the keeping of honey bees requires registration with the City identifying the address, number and placement of beehives. Zoning permits and inspections cover any structures, and a renter needs the property owner's written authorization to apply for a registration, license or permit. Premises must be kept free from garbage and substances that attract rodents, and waste and odor rules apply. The City can deny or revoke a registration for nuisance conditions, including on the third substantiated violation.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Section 608.30 fall under Section 608.99(a) as a Class C municipal civil infraction, with Section 202.98 fines of $50.00 for a first offense, $100.00 for a second within one year and $200.00 for a third or later offense. Each day of violation is a separate offense, and the City can deny or revoke a registration if a nuisance condition is created or on the third substantiated violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Battle Creek?
How many beehives can I have?
What is the flyway barrier requirement?
Do I need a license or a registration for bees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Battle Creek
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