Centennial, CO Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Hive box height/size
- 6 ft.; 10 cu. ft. combined
- Setback (interior side/rear)
- 10 ft.
- Lots under 1/4 acre
- 2 hive boxes max
- Lots 2+ acres
- 12 hives (unlimited at 250 ft.)
Summary
Centennial allows backyard beekeeping on single-family lots with movable-frame hive boxes, capping hive count by lot size and setting a 6-foot height limit and 10-foot setback.
4.Requirements for Accessory Buildings or Structures for Beekeeping.a.Permitted Lots. Hive boxes are only permitted on residentially and agriculturally zoned lots with single-family detached dwelling units.b.Hive Box Height and Area. Hive boxes and any ground-mounted appurtenances are permitted to be a combined height of up to six (6) feet above ground level and up to ten (10) cubic feet.c.Setbacks.i.Front: Behind the principal building.ii.Street Side. Equal to the street side setback required for the principal building.iii.Interior Side: Ten (10) feet.iv.Rear: Ten (10) feet.d.Hive Boxes. All bee colonies shall be kept in hive boxes with movable combs or frames.e.Hive Box Maximums. Maximum hive boxes permitted per residential and agricultural zone lot:i.Lots less than one-quarter acre in size: Two (2) hive boxes.
Full Breakdown
LDC § 12-3-603(E)(4) permits hive boxes only on residentially or agriculturally zoned lots with a single-family detached dwelling. Hive boxes and any ground-mounted appurtenances may reach a combined 6 feet in height and 10 cubic feet, set back behind the principal building in front, equal to the required street-side setback, and 10 feet from interior side and rear lines. All colonies must be kept in hive boxes with movable combs or frames. Maximum hives run from 2 on lots under a quarter-acre up to 12 on lots of 2 acres or more; there's no cap if every hive sits at least 250 feet from all property lines.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more hive boxes than the lot size allows, or placing them without the required setbacks, is a zoning violation that the Director can order corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep in Centennial?
Where can beehives sit on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Centennial
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle beekeeping.