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Denver, CO Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Hive limit
2 hives per zone lot
Setback
5 ft from side and rear lot lines
Screening
6 ft barrier bees must clear
Location
Rear third of the zone lot
Storage
No outdoor bee equipment storage

Summary

Denver limits residential lots to two honeybee hives, set in the rear third of the yard with a 5-foot setback from side and rear lines and a 6-foot screening barrier bees must clear before leaving the property.

2 hives per zone lot; Hives must be in rear 1/3 of zone lot with a 5 foot setback from side and rear zone lot lines; Hives must be screened so that the bees must surmount a 6 foot barrier, which may be vegetative, before leaving the property; No outdoor storage of any bee paraphernalia or hive materials not being used as a part of a hive.

Source: Denver Beekeeping Ordinance – Denver Bee ClubView official code

Full Breakdown

Denver's zoning code treats honeybee hives as an accessory residential use, permitted without a zoning permit only if a property keeps 2 hives or fewer per zone lot. The hives must sit in the rear third of the lot, at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and be screened by a barrier at least 6 feet tall, vegetative screening counts, that bees must clear before leaving the property. Keeping bee equipment or spare hive materials outdoors is prohibited. More hives, or noncompliant siting, requires a discretionary zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator.

Violations & Fines

Hives beyond the two-per-lot limit, missing the setback or 6-foot screening, or outdoor equipment storage violate the zoning code's accessory-use standards and can draw a zoning enforcement order from the Zoning Administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to keep bees in Denver?
No. Up to 2 hives per zone lot are allowed as an accessory use without a zoning permit, as long as you meet the siting, setback, and screening rules.
How many beehives can I keep in Denver?
Zoning code caps household beekeeping at 2 hives per zone lot without a permit; more hives require a discretionary zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator.
Where on my lot do hives have to go?
In the rear third of the zone lot, at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, behind a barrier at least 6 feet tall that bees must clear before leaving.

Sources & Official References

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All Denver rules

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