Cincinnati, OH Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Beekeeping in Cincinnati occupies a regulatory gray area. CMC Chapter 701 (Animals, Birds, Fowl) broadly restricts keeping farm animals within city limits, but bees are not specifically listed as prohibited animals in the code. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 909 governs apiculture at the state level and requires all beekeepers to register each apiary annually with the Ohio Department of Agriculture by June 1 at a fee of $5 per apiary. The state Department of Agriculture conducts inspections for diseases such as American foulbrood. Urban beekeeping has been practiced in Cincinnati for years, with hives appearing on downtown rooftops and in neighborhood gardens. Best practices for urban beekeeping in Cincinnati include providing a water source to prevent bees from visiting neighboring properties, positioning hive entrances away from pedestrian areas, and maintaining a flyway barrier (fence or hedge at least six feet tall) if the hive is near a property line. Residents considering beekeeping should verify current zoning requirements with the Cincinnati Department of Community and Economic Development.