Lawton, OK Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Section 5-4-415(C) allows beekeeping citywide, but adds extra rules once bees are kept in any 'urban' zoning district, defined as every district except A-1, A-2 and P-F. First, no beekeeping is allowed in those districts until the keeper registers the operation with the city and pays the fee in the fee schedule. Second, colony density cannot exceed one colony per 2,500 square feet of lot area. Third, colonies must stay at least 35 feet from any property line unless the hive sits at least eight feet above adjacent ground level, or sits less than six feet above ground behind a solid fence, wall or dense evergreen hedge at least six feet tall running parallel to the property line for at least 30 feet beyond the hive in both directions (or the full length of that property line, if shorter).

Fourth, the keeper must maintain a fresh water source on the lot for the bees at all times the bees are flying. Fifth, colonies must be housed in movable-frame hives, with mature colonies kept in two full-depth brood chambers. Sixth, every beekeeper must also register the operation with the Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture as required by state law, in addition to the city registration. Section 5-4-415(A) further requires that the housing and keeping of the bees not create a nuisance, which the Animal Welfare Division can enforce the same way it enforces the domestic-bird and fowl setback rules in the same section.