Grand Rapids, MI Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback from dwellings
- At least 25 feet
- Hive location
- Rear yard only
- Hive cap, lots under 11,000 sq ft
- Two hives
- Permit term
- Three years, renewable
- Enforcing office
- City Manager's designee
Summary
Grand Rapids requires a City Manager permit before keeping bees, limits placement to the rear yard at least 25 feet from homes, and caps hives at two per lot under 11,000 square feet.
No person shall keep, harbor or raise any bees in or upon any premises within the City unless in a hive or box located and kept: (1) More than twenty-five (25) feet from any residence, hospital, sanitarium, school, church, office building, store, hotel, apartment house, rooming house or any place of habitation; and (2) Not less than five (5) feet from the edge of his or her own lot or property line and at least ten (10) feet from a public sidewalk where present...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 155, Article 2 of the City Code, bees must be kept in a hive located at least 25 feet from any residence, school, church, hotel or place of habitation, at least 5 feet from the property line, and only in the rear yard, 25 feet back from the front lot line. Lots up to 11,000 square feet may have two hives; larger lots up to 22,000 square feet may have four. Each hive is capped at 20 cubic feet. A three-year permit from the City Manager's office, with an application fee, is required before any bees may be kept.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees without a permit is a municipal civil infraction punishable by a fine under Chapter 170; permits can also be suspended or revoked for nuisance violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Grand Rapids?
How many beehives can I have on a residential lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle beekeeping.