Medford, OR Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

813(3) of the Medford Code permits beekeeping citywide in single-family residential districts, commercial and industrial districts, and public parks, but ties the privilege to registration with the Medford Planning Department. Hive counts scale with lot size: a maximum of three hives on a property under one acre, six hives on one to two acres, and an additional three hives per acre beyond two acres. Beekeepers who own five or more hives must separately register with the Oregon Department of Agriculture as required by state law.

Hives must use removable frames or combs kept in sound, usable condition, and cannot sit in a required front, side, rear, street side, or buffer yard. Any hive within 20 feet of a property line needs a flyway barrier at least six feet high, running at least five feet in either direction of the hive, forcing bees to fly up and over rather than through toward neighbors. Each colony must have a constant fresh water supply within 15 feet, and beekeepers must keep grounds free of loose wax comb that could trigger robbing behavior.

Only docile common honey bees are allowed; African honey bees or hybrids are prohibited outright. A beekeeper who removes an unwanted swarm may temporarily house it for up to 30 days before the standard hive limits reapply. Honey and other hive products may be sold on-site under an applicable business license or home occupation permit, but outdoor sales are not allowed.