Des Plaines, IL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- 510 ILCS 20. Bees and Apiaries Act
- State Registration
- Required with IL State Apiarist
- Local Status
- No specific ordinance: check zoning
- Contact
- Community & Economic Dev: 847-391-5380
Summary
No specific Des Plaines beekeeping ordinance identified. Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20) requires state registration. Contact Des Plaines Planning at 847-391-5380 for zoning guidance.
Every person keeping one or more colonies of bees shall register with the Department annually. (b) Every person keeping one or more colonies of bees may be required to post his or her registration number in a prominent place within each apiary under his or her control. (Source: P.A. 88-138.) (510 ILCS 20/2-1) Sec. 2-1. Nuisances. All bees, colonies, or items of bee equipment, where bee diseases, bee parasites or exotic strains of bees exist; or hives that cannot be readily inspected; or colonies that are not registered, are declared to be nuisances to be regulated as prescribed by the Department.
Full Breakdown
Des Plaines does not have a widely published standalone beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping may be regulated as an accessory use under Title 12 Zoning. Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20) requires beekeepers to register with the Illinois State Apiarist. Contact the Community & Economic Development Department at 847-391-5380 to confirm whether beekeeping is permitted in your zoning district.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register beehives with the state may result in penalties under the Bees and Apiaries Act. Local nuisance complaints could also apply if bees cause disturbances.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Plaines
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