Boise, ID Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Max density
- 3 colonies per 1/4 acre
- Front setback
- 20 feet
- Other property line setback
- 3 feet
- Flyway barrier
- 6 ft, if within 25 ft of line
- Banned
- Africanized bees, wasps, hornets
Summary
Boise allows accessory beekeeping on any residential lot with no minimum parcel size, capped at three colonies per quarter-acre plus permitted nucleus colonies.
Beekeeping, Accessory: ... (b) Density of Hives and Colonies: There is no minimum parcel size for beekeeping, but the maximum density is three colonies per one-fourth acre. Higher densities may be permitted by Conditional Use Permit. ... (e) Flyway Barriers: For colonies located within 25 feet of a property boundary, a flyway barrier at least six feet in height ... is required. (f) Setbacks And Placement: Hives shall be located at least 20 feet from front property lines and three feet from other property lines.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise's Development Code treats beekeeping as an accessory use citywide with no minimum lot size, but density, hives, and placement are all regulated. Colonies are capped at three per one-fourth acre (higher densities need a Conditional Use Permit), plus one nucleus colony for every two authorized colonies. Bees must be kept in hives with removable frames, set back at least 20 feet from front lines and 3 feet from other lines, oriented away from neighbors, and given a constant water source. Hives within 25 feet of a property line need a 6-foot flyway barrier. Wasps, hornets, and Africanized honey bees are banned outright, and aggressive colonies must be destroyed or re-queened.
Violations & Fines
Beekeeping is a zoning use-standard violation, not a criminal offense; noncompliant setups (missing flyway barrier, excess density, no water source, abandoned hives) are enforced through Planning & Development Services code enforcement, which can order the hives brought into compliance or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Boise?
How far must hives be from my neighbor's yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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