Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Omaha

Omaha, NE Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit fee
$10 nonrefundable, per parcel
Issuing authority
Douglas County health director
Dwelling setback
25 ft from neighboring homes
Hive density
Max 4 hives per 100 ft
Park buffer
100 ft from public parks

Summary

Omaha requires a $10 permit from the Douglas County health director to keep bees, with hives banned within 25 feet of neighboring dwellings and 100 feet of parks.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, control, harbor or maintain within the city any bees, hives or boxes containing hives, except in agriculturally zoned areas, without first obtaining a permit for that purpose from the health director of the county health department. No single permit shall be issued for more than one parcel upon which bees are to be maintained.

Source: Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 18 – NuisancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Keeping bees anywhere in Omaha outside land zoned agricultural requires a nontransferable permit from the Douglas County health director under City Code § 18-18, plus a nonrefundable $10 fee per parcel. No hive may sit within 25 feet of a dwelling other than the beekeeper's own, within 25 feet of a property line without a six-foot flight barrier, or within 100 feet of a public park. Keepers may run at most four hives per 100 feet of parcel boundary (four per quarter-acre on larger sites) and must keep a water source near the hives at all times. Violators lose eligibility for a new permit for two years.

Violations & Fines

Keeping unpermitted hives, exceeding the four-hive density limit, or ignoring the 25-foot dwelling and 100-foot park setbacks is a code violation; the health director can revoke the permit and bar reapplication for two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to keep bees in Omaha?
Yes. Except on agriculturally zoned land, City Code § 18-18 requires a permit from the Douglas County health director before keeping any bees, hives, or hive boxes within city limits.
How close can a beehive be to my neighbor's house?
No closer than 25 feet to any dwelling other than the beekeeper's own, and no closer than 25 feet to a property line unless a 6-foot flight barrier is in place.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Omaha

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMicrochippingLight RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSignificant Restrictions

All Omaha rules

Compare Omaha to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Beekeeping in Omaha, NE changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.