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Carmel, IN Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing code
Carmel UDO Section 5.02 (Beekeeping as accessory use)
Hives on smallest lots
1 hive (up to ~4,350 sq ft)
Hives on largest lots
Up to 8 hives (lots over 43,560 sq
Hive spacing
At least 3 feet apart when more than
Beekeeper duties
Provide water; address aggressive colonies
State overlay
Annual hive registration under Indiana apiary law

Summary

Carmel permits residential beekeeping as an accessory use under Unified Development Ordinance Section 5.02. Hive count scales with lot size: from one (1) hive on the smallest qualifying lots up to eight (8) hives on lots over 43,560 square feet (one acre). Hives must be at least three (3)

No hives may be located forward of the Front Line of the Principal Building, or within 300' of a front lot line, whichever is less. Ground-level hives shall be a minimum of 15 feet from a side lot line and 20 feet from a rear lot line.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Beekeeping in Carmel is regulated under the Unified Development Ordinance, Section 5.02 (Residential Accessory Building and Use Standards), which treats keeping bees as a residential accessory use rather than agriculture. The maximum number of hives permitted is tied to lot area, ranging from one (1) hive on the smallest qualifying lots (up to roughly 4,350 square feet) up to eight (8) hives on lots greater than 43,560 square feet (one acre). When more than one hive is present, 'hives shall be spaced at least three (3) feet apart.' Beekeepers must maintain a nearby water source for the bees and must address aggressive or swarming colonies.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the hive count permitted for the lot size, failing to maintain required spacing or water, or keeping bees without addressing an aggressive colony is a zoning/code-enforcement matter handled by Carmel Community Services (Code Enforcement), which can order abatement of

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beekeeping legal in Carmel?
Yes. Carmel permits residential beekeeping as an accessory use under Unified Development Ordinance Section 5.02, with the number of hives limited by lot size.
How many beehives can I have?
It depends on your lot area: from one (1) hive on the smallest qualifying lots up to eight (8) hives on lots larger than one acre (43,560 sq ft). When you have more than one hive, hives must be
Do I have to register my bees?
Yes. Indiana administers an apiary registration program requiring beekeepers to register colonies annually with the state, in addition to meeting Carmel's local UDO standards.
What if my bees bother neighbors?
Carmel's beekeeping standards require providing a water source and addressing aggressive colonies. Colonies that become a documented nuisance can be addressed through code enforcement and the City's nuisance rules.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Carmel

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsFew Restrictions

All Carmel rules

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