Milwaukee, WI Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $80 annually
- Hive limit
- 2 hives per lot
- Neighbor notice radius
- 200 feet, 14-day objection window
- Setback from dwellings/pools
- 50 feet
- Revoked permit
- never reissued
Summary
Milwaukee requires a beekeeper permit, neighbor notice, and mails objection rights before you can keep honey bees, capping hives at two per lot with strict setbacks.
No person shall keep honey bees in the city without being a beekeeper and obtaining a valid permit issued by the commissioner... No more than 2 hives are allowed on a lot... Hives shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from the front property line and 10 feet from all other property lines... Hives shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from dwellings, porches, gazebos, decks, swimming pools, permanently affixed play equipment and any other habitable area on any adjoining lots unless the owner of the adjoining property has provided written permission for closer hive placement.
Full Breakdown
No one may keep honey bees in Milwaukee without a beekeeper permit from the health commissioner ($80 annual fee). Applying triggers mailed notice to every property owner within 200 feet; they get 14 working days to file a written objection and demand a hearing, which the commissioner must hold within 14 days and rule on within 10 more. Approved permits cap hives at two per lot, require removable-frame hives, a 6-foot flyway barrier within 20 feet of a lot line (unless hives sit 10+ feet up), 20-foot front/10-foot side setbacks, and a 50-foot buffer from neighboring dwellings, pools, decks and play equipment absent written neighbor consent. Any violation is grounds for permit revocation, and a revoked permit is never reissued.
Violations & Fines
Commissioner may revoke the permit for failure to comply with any provision of the section; once revoked, a beekeeping permit cannot be reissued. Neighbor objection can also block issuance at the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in Milwaukee without asking neighbors?
How many beehives can I have on my Milwaukee lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle beekeeping.