Norman, OK Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Outside A-1, A-2, R-E zoning districts
- Max density
- 1 colony per 2,500 sq ft of lot
- Hive type
- Movable frame, 2 full-depth brood chambers
- Default setback
- 35 feet from every property line
- Setback exception
- 8 ft elevation or 6 ft screening fence
- Water source
- Fresh water required during flight periods
Summary
Norman requires a permit before keeping any hive outside the A-1, A-2, or R-E zoning districts, under NCC 20-601. Colonies are capped at one per 2,500 square feet of lot area, hives must be movable-frame with two full-depth brood chambers, and hives need a 35-foot setback from every property line unless raised or screened.
Except in those areas zoned A-1, A-2, and R-E, no person shall keep or maintain any colony or hive of bees without complying with all provisions of this article and without having obtained a permit, as provided in this chapter. No person shall keep or maintain more than one colony of bees per 2,500 square feet of lot area. No person shall keep or maintain bee colonies in other than movable frame hives, and mature colonies shall be housed in two full-depth brood chambers. No person shall locate colonies of bees closer than 35 feet of any property line, except: When those colonies are situated at least eight feet above adjacent ground level; or When situated less than six feet above adjacent ground level and behind a solid fence, wall, dense evergreen hedge or effective equivalent having a height of not less than six feet and parallel to each property line within 35 feet of the hive. No person shall keep or maintain any colony of bees without providing a fresh water source on his lot during all periods that the bees fly from the hives.
Full Breakdown
Article 20-VI, NCC 20-601 through 20-605, governs backyard beekeeping citywide. Outside the A-1, A-2, and R-E zoning districts, a permit is mandatory before anyone keeps or maintains a colony or hive, under 20-601. Density is capped under 20-602 at one colony per 2,500 square feet of lot area, so a standard quarter-acre lot supports roughly four colonies at most. Section 20-603 dictates equipment: hives must be movable-frame, and any mature colony must be housed in two full-depth brood chambers, ruling out fixed-comb designs for established hives.
The setback rule in 20-604 keeps hives 35 feet from every property line by default, but two exceptions let a beekeeper site a hive closer: raising the colony at least eight feet above adjacent ground level, or, if the hive sits below six feet, screening it behind a solid fence, wall, or dense evergreen hedge at least six feet tall that runs parallel to the property line and extends at least 30 feet beyond the hive in both directions, or the full length of the property line if shorter.
Section 20-605 adds a welfare requirement: a beekeeper must provide a fresh water source on the lot at all times the bees are flying, which keeps foraging bees from concentrating at neighbors' pools, birdbaths, or irrigation.
Violations & Fines
Beekeeping violations fall under Chapter 20's general penalty, NCC 20-113: a fine and/or imprisonment as provided in the City's penalty and fine schedule, with each day of noncompliance, such as an unpermitted hive or a hive short of its 35-foot setback, treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Norman?
How close to my property line can I put a beehive?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norman
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