Beekeeping allowed in Chicago. State registration required (510 ILCS 20). Hives must be labeled with Illinois registration number. City may inspect colonies. Hives declared nuisance if not registered.
510 ILCS 20 (Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act) requires all bee colonies to be registered with the State Apiarist. Hives must display 'IL' plus the beekeeper's registration number in weatherproof lettering at least ½ inch high on the front of each hive. The Department has the right to inspect colonies. Unregistered hives can be declared a nuisance. Chicago does not have an additional local beekeeping permit on top of state registration.
Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines $50 to $250. Unregistered apiaries: state penalties.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle beekeeping.
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