Davenport's animal code does not specifically regulate honeybees, which are not livestock under the ordinance, so backyard hives are allowed, subject to the city's nuisance rules. Iowa Code Chapter 160 requires apiary registration with the state.
Davenport's livestock prohibition in Section 6.04.055 lists cattle, swine, poultry, and similar animals but not bees, and the animal chapter's definition of animal excludes invertebrates, so honeybees are not banned as livestock. Backyard beekeeping is therefore permitted, subject to the city's nuisance provisions; hives that create a hazard or nuisance can be abated. Beekeepers must register their colonies with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship under Iowa Code Chapter 160. Good practice, and typical of Iowa cities, includes flyway barriers, a water source, and reasonable setbacks from lot lines. Verify placement against zoning setbacks.
Hives that create a nuisance may be ordered abated under Davenport's animal-nuisance provisions. Failure to register an apiary with the state is a matter for the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Davenport's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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