Lakewood, CO Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Hive density
- 1 beehive per 6,000 sq ft lot
- Permit
- City apiary permit required
- Setback
- 25 ft from nearest public walk
- Flyway barrier
- 6 ft tall, screens hive entrance
- Placement (R zones)
- Side or rear yard only
Summary
Lakewood's Zoning Ordinance allows one beehive per 6,000 square feet with a City permit, side- or rear-yard placement in residential zones, and mandatory flyway barriers and setbacks.
Where identified as a limited use, apiaries shall be accessory to the permitted use, and subject to the following:
1. A permit for the keeping of an apiary must be obtained from the City.
2. One beehive shall be allowed for each 6,000 square feet of lot area.
3. Beehives in R zone districts shall be located in a side or rear yard only, and no closer to any property lines than the accessory structure setbacks for the applicable zone district identified in Table 17.5.1.
4. Beehives in M zone districts may not be located in any required front yard.
5. Beehives shall be set back at least 25 feet from the nearest edge of a public walk.
6. The front of any beehive shall face away from the property line of an adjacent residential property closest to the beehive.
7. A flyway barrier shall be placed along the side of the beehive that contains the entrance to the hive. The flyway barrier shall be located within 5 feet of the hive and shall extend at least 2 feet on either side of the hive (See Figure 17.4.1).
8. The flyway barrier shall be 6 feet in height and consist of a solid hedge or be constructed of materials that comply with the standards set forth in Section 17.6.6.1.
9. No flyway barrier constructed of any materials other than a solid hedge shall be
Full Breakdown
In Lakewood, Colorado (Jefferson County), the Zoning Ordinance's Article 4 standards (as amended June 10, 2024) require a City permit to keep bees and limit hives to one per 6,000 square feet of lot area. In R zone districts, beehives must sit in a side or rear yard, meeting accessory-structure setbacks, and stay at least 25 feet from the nearest public walk. A flyway barrier at least 6 feet tall, a solid hedge or approved fencing, must screen the hive entrance unless the hive sits 25+ feet from all property lines or is elevated on a porch or balcony. Fresh water must stay available on the lot at all times.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees without a City apiary permit, exceeding one hive per 6,000 square feet, or skipping the required flyway barrier and setbacks can draw code enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep in Lakewood, CO?
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle beekeeping.