Bloomington, MN Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed
- Yes, with conditions
- Flyway Barrier
- 6 ft if hive <25 ft from property line
- Rooftop Hives
- Prohibited on residential
- State Registration
- None. MDA inspection voluntary
Summary
Beekeeping is allowed in Bloomington with conditions: hives under 25 ft from a property line need a 6-ft flyway barrier, rooftop hives are prohibited on residential structures, and hive numbers are limited by lot size. Minnesota has no statewide apiary registration.
A beekeeper may not place a beehive in a front yard. A corner lot is considered to have two front yards. A beekeeper must place a beehive at least 25 feet from any dwelling unit on adjacent property and at least 25 feet from any public right-of-way. Maximum hives allowed: ½ acre or smaller = 2 beehives; More than ½ to ¾ acre = 4 beehives; More than ¾ to 1 acre = 6 beehives; More than 1 to 5 acres = 8 beehives; More than 5 acres = no restriction. A beehive located on a rooftop is prohibited on a residential structure. Chickens: No person shall keep more than four total hen chickens on any single-family or two-family residential property. No roosters allowed. Shelter must be set back a minimum of 50 feet from any dwelling on an abutting parcel.
Full Breakdown
Bloomington allows residential beekeeping under city rules. Hives may not sit in a front yard, must be at least 25 feet from dwellings on adjacent property and from public rights-of-way, and hive counts scale with lot size (two hives on a half acre or less, up to eight on five acres). Hives may not be kept inside dwellings or garages, and rooftop hives are prohibited on residential structures. Minnesota has no statewide beekeeper registration, the state apiary chapter was repealed in 2006, and Department of Agriculture inspection is voluntary, so Bloomington's ordinance is the controlling law. Minnesota's short season means hive management runs roughly April through October.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: city fines. There is no state registration to violate, enforcement is by the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Bloomington?
What are the beekeeping regulations in Bloomington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle beekeeping.