Flagstaff, AZ Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Beekeeping in the City of Flagstaff falls under the same animal-keeping chapter as backyard livestock, City Code § 6-03-001-0003. Table 6-03-001-0003.A caps bee colonies by lot size, from 2 colonies on a lot under 20,000 square feet up to 8 colonies once the lot reaches 80,000 square feet or larger, in every zoning district. Subsection D adds beekeeping-specific standards: hives must be placed only in rear yards at least 10 feet from any property line, except that the Rural Residential zone also allows hives in interior side yards, and every hive entrance must face away from the closest property line.

A flyway barrier, at least 6 feet tall, solid enough that bees cannot pass through, set parallel to the property line and extending 5 feet beyond the hive in each direction, must force bees to fly at least 6 feet above ground near the hive; any fence or wall used as the barrier must also meet the City's fencing and screening standards in Division 10-50.50. Beekeepers must keep a water source available year-round so bees are not drawn to neighboring pools or bird baths. If a colony becomes unusually defensive or prone to swarming, the beekeeper must requeen it promptly with a gentle-stock queen and be able to produce a receipt from a queen breeder.

Keeping bees outside the Estate Residential or Rural Residential zones requires a backyard livestock keeping permit from the Sustainability Division, the same permit that covers other livestock.