Beekeeping is permitted in Durham with no city registration. NC state law (N.C.G.S. 106-645) prohibits cities from banning ownership of 5 or fewer hives, making Durham bee-friendly.
North Carolina enacted legislation in 1977 (N.C.G.S. 106-645) that prohibits any city or county from enforcing ordinances or resolutions that prevent residents from owning or operating five or fewer bee hives. Durham does not require beekeepers to register their hives with the city, unlike some neighboring communities such as Cary which requires a plot plan showing hive placement relative to property lines. The state does not require a permit to keep honeybees. Durham County Beekeepers Association provides local support and education for urban beekeepers. While Durham does not have specific local beekeeping setback requirements, best practices recommend placing hives at least 10 feet from property lines and positioning entrances away from neighboring properties. The NC Department of Agriculture provides voluntary hive inspection services for disease monitoring.
Because state law protects the right to keep up to 5 hives, Durham cannot penalize residents who maintain 5 or fewer colonies. Beekeepers with more than 5 hives may be subject to local nuisance provisions if bees create a hazard or disturbance. General nuisance ordinances apply if bee colonies become unmanaged or create a public safety concern.
Durham, NC
Durham caps daytime sound at 60 dBA (8 AM to 11 PM) and nighttime sound at 50 dBA (11 PM to 8 AM) under Ch. 26, Sec. 26-23. Measured at property line using A...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
See how Durham's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.