Independence, MO Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Property line setback
- 50 feet minimum
- Street setback
- 50 feet minimum
- Placement
- Side/rear yard or roof only
- Flyway barrier
- 6 ft high, 10 ft each side
- Fine
- $50-$500 per violation
Summary
Independence caps backyard hives with a strict 50-foot setback from property lines and streets, restricts placement to side or rear yards or rooftops, and requires a flyway barrier and water source to keep bees away from neighbors.
a.No person shall establish or maintain any hive or apiary or keep any bees on any premises closer than 50 feet to the property line of an adjoining property.b.No person shall establish or maintain any hive or apiary or keep any bees on any premises closer than 50 feet to the exterior line of the travel portion of a public street or sidewalk.c.Hives are permitted only in the side and rear yards, unless roof mounted.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
The City's beekeeping ordinance (City Code Article 4, Chapter 3) requires hives to sit at least 50 feet from an adjoining property line and 50 feet from the traveled portion of any public street or sidewalk. Hives may only go in side or rear yards unless mounted on a roof. Keepers must provide a water source within 20 feet of each hive and build a six-foot flyway barrier extending 10 feet beyond the hive in each direction so bees are forced to fly above head height near the property line. Newly developed adjacent property forces relocation within 90 days.
Violations & Fines
Written warning with up to 90 days to comply; failure can bring a general ordinance summons and a fine of $50 to $500. A judge may also order hives removed from the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must beehives be from my neighbor's property in Independence?
Where on my lot can I keep bees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle beekeeping.