Indianapolis, IN Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Beekeeping in Indianapolis is regulated as part of the 'Personal garden' use-specific standard, Sec. 743-306.V, which reads: 'Personal beekeeping of domesticated honeybees is permitted in all Districts. Without a personal livestock license, the number of bee hives on a site shall be limited to eight hives. No bee hive shall be larger than 16 cubic feet. Bee hives may be located on the ground or on the roof of a building with a permanent foundation. If the opening of any bee hive located on the ground opens toward an area on-site or another lot that is an activity area, such as a walkway, play area, patio, then a barrier must be provided to cause the bee flight path to be directed at least six feet above the area.'

The definitions chapter, Sec. 740-202, ties this to non-commercial use: a 'personal garden' is 'a private facility or area for the cultivation of vegetables, grasses, fruits, flowers, shrubs, vines, trees, and domesticated bees as an accessory use by a resident or occupant of the site,' and the same definition specifically excludes 'beekeeping for commercial purposes' from that protection. A property owner who wants more than eight hives has to get a personal livestock license under Chapter 838 of the Revised Code, the same licensing path used for keeping extra chickens, goats or other personal livestock beyond the standard caps; the Personal Livestock standard at Sec. 743-306.W.6 cross-references this directly, stating that 'Bee-keeping is permitted in accordance with the use-specific standards identified under personal garden.'

Unlike some accessory uses, there is no separate Improvement Location Permit or inspection called out for a hobby apiary within the eight-hive limit; the standard is self-executing, and a hive that meets the size, siting and flight-path rules does not need city sign-off before installation.