Beekeeping in unincorporated Cook County is regulated by the Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20). Registration with the Illinois Department of Agriculture is required. Local zoning district may affect placement of hives.
Beekeeping in Cook County is governed primarily by the Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20), which requires all beekeepers to register their colonies with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The state conducts inspections for diseases such as American foulbrood. Cook County does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance for unincorporated areas, but zoning regulations may affect hive placement and setbacks from property lines. Agricultural zoning districts are most permissive for beekeeping. Residential districts may allow beekeeping subject to nuisance provisions. Beekeepers should maintain hives in a manner that prevents colonies from becoming a public nuisance. The Cook County Forest Preserves also support pollinator habitat throughout the county.
Unregistered colony: state enforcement under 510 ILCS 20. Nuisance: county enforcement under general nuisance provisions, $100–$1,000 fine.
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