Cleveland, OH Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Density
- 1 hive per 2,400 sq ft
- Min Lot Size
- 2,400 sq ft
- Setback
- 5 ft lot line, 10 ft dwelling
- Orientation
- Entrance away from neighbors
Summary
Cleveland §347.02 allows beekeeping: 1 hive per 2,400 sq ft of lot area, minimum lot size 2,400 sq ft. Hives must be 5 ft from lot lines and 10 ft from dwellings, with entrance facing away from nearest residential property.
Any person owning or possessing bees shall on or before the first day of June of each year, or thereafter within thirty days after coming into ownership or possession of bees, or upon moving bees into this state from outside the state, file with the director of agriculture an application for registration setting forth the exact location of the person's apiaries and such other information as is required by the director. All registrations issued in accordance with this section expire on the following thirty-first day of May and shall be renewed according to the standard renewal procedure of sections 4745.01 to 4745.03 of the Revised Code.
Full Breakdown
Cleveland Zoning Code §347.02 permits beekeeping with 1 hive per 2,400 sq ft of lot area. Minimum lot size is 2,400 sq ft. Hives must be at least 5 feet from any lot line and 10 feet from any dwelling or permitted dwelling placement on another parcel. Hives may not be in front or side street yards. The entrance of each hive must face away from the closest residential property line. Approval from the Department of Building and Housing is required when establishing or expanding the use. Ohio state law (ORC §909) does not prohibit beekeeping but defers to local ordinances for setback and registration.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: mediation then fines. Swarm incidents: emergency response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Cleveland?
What are the beekeeping regulations in Cleveland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle beekeeping.