Casper, WY Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Hive setback
- 10 feet from adjoining property line
- Flyway fence trigger
- Colony within 25 feet of a line
- Flyway fence height
- At least 6 feet, solid
- Water source
- Required at all times, non-stagnant
- Penalty
- Seizure + up to $750 misdemeanor
Summary
Casper Municipal Code § 6.04.050 lets residents keep bee colonies but sets a ten-foot setback from adjoining property lines, requires a six-foot flyway fence when a colony sits within twenty-five feet of a property line, and mandates a standing water source so bees do not congregate at neighbors' pools or bowls.
6.04.050 - Beekeeping. ... D.Setback. All hives shall be located at least ten feet from any adjoining property with the back of the hive facing the nearest abutting private property lines. Hives may be located on the property line abutting alleyways.E.Fencing of flyways. In each instance in which any colony is situated within twenty-five feet of a developed public or private property line of the tract upon which the apiary is stated, as measured from the nearest point on the hive to the property line. The beekeeper shall establish and maintain a flyway barrier at least six feet in height, consisting of a solid wall or fence parallel to the property line, and extending ten feet beyond the colony in each direction so that all bees are forced to fly at an elevation of at least six feet above ground level over the property in the vicinity of the apiary.F.Water. Each beekeeper shall ensure that a convenient source of water is available at all times to the bees, so that the bees will not congregate at swimming pools, bib cocks, pet water bowls, birdbaths or other water sources where they may cause human, bird, or domestic pet contact.
Full Breakdown
Section 6.04.050 defines apiary, bee, colony and hive at subsection (A) before setting the operative rules. Subsection (B) requires every colony to be kept in an inspectable-type hive with removable combs, kept sound and usable as described in Wyoming Statutes title 11, and subsection (C) requires the beekeeper to comply with state bee-keeping regulations generally. The setback in subsection (D) requires every hive to sit at least ten feet from any adjoining property, with the back of the hive facing the nearest abutting private property line; hives may sit directly on a property line abutting an alley.
Subsection (E) triggers a flyway barrier whenever a colony sits within twenty-five feet of a developed public or private property line: the beekeeper must build and maintain a solid wall or fence at least six feet high, running parallel to the property line and extending ten feet beyond the colony in each direction, so bees are forced to fly above six feet over neighboring property. Subsection (F) requires a convenient water source at all times so bees do not congregate at swimming pools, outdoor faucets, pet water bowls or birdbaths, and that water must not be allowed to go stagnant.
Subsection (G) lets the city manager summarily destroy or remove any abandoned hive or unhoused swarm, and subsection (H) authorizes seizure of the bees and criminal prosecution in municipal court for keeping colonies not in strict compliance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees outside the setback, flyway or water requirements of § 6.04.050 exposes the keeper to seizure of the colony and criminal prosecution by citation in Casper Municipal Court under § 6.04.050(H). As a Chapter 6.04 offense, a conviction carries a misdemeanor fine of up to $750 under § 6.04.360(B), separate from the city manager's authority under § 6.04.050(G) to summarily destroy an abandoned hive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far from my property line must a beehive be in Casper?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Casper
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