Lee's Summit, MO Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Section 5-7 of the Lee's Summit Code of Ordinances governs every hive, stand, box and apiary within the corporate limits. Subsection B makes it unlawful to place, establish or maintain any of them, or to keep any bees on any premises, unless the bees are kept in accordance with the section. Subsection C adds the license: anyone keeping hives must obtain a City license, valid January 1 through December 31 of each year. The fee comes from the adopted Schedule of Fees and Charges, is due on the initial application and at each annual renewal, and is not prorated when purchased for less than a year.

The equipment standards in subsection D require Langstroth, Top Bar or Warre type hives with removable frames, kept in sound and usable condition. Materials must be uniform in construction, and no single hive may exceed six feet in height or length.

The hive count depends on lot size. Under D(4)(a), a lot of 8,000 square feet or less is capped at two beehives. Under D(4)(b), a larger lot is still capped at two hives in any location between 50 and 400 feet from a house or other building on developed property, other than the keeper's own residence.

Subsection D(5) sets the placement distances. A hive cannot sit on property considered frontage unless it is at least 100 feet from the road, sidewalk or property line. It must be at least 25 feet from the property line of adjoining developed property, 50 feet from any house or building on developed property other than the keeper's residence, 50 feet from the nearest edge of a public street or sidewalk, and 50 feet from any tethered or caged animal. The bee entrance must point away from sidewalks, neighboring residences, pets and places where people gather. Keepers using land they do not own or possess need written permission from the owner or person lawfully in possession, and that permission can be revoked at any time. Fresh, clean water must be provided within 20 feet of each hive.