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Clay County, MO Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Legal
Yes, treated as agriculture
State Registration
Not required
Inspection
Dept. of Agriculture, on request
County Setback
25 feet from lot lines
State Law
MO Apiary Law §264.041

Summary

Beekeeping is legal across Clay County and treated as agriculture. Missouri requires no apiary registration; the state Department of Agriculture inspects hives on request. Unincorporated lots allow hives set back twenty-five feet from property lines.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clay County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Inspection of bees for bee diseases or pests shall be made by the director or an authorized inspector upon the request of any beekeeper, directed to the office of the director, for inspection of bees owned or managed by that beekeeper.

Source: Revised Statutes of MissouriView official code

Full Breakdown

Keeping honey bees is lawful throughout Clay County. Missouri does not require beekeepers to register their hives; under the Missouri Apiary Law, Section 264.041, the Department of Agriculture inspects bees for disease or pests on a beekeeper's request or on suspicion of disease. In unincorporated Clay County, hives are allowed on residential lots with a twenty-five-foot setback from property lines and a water source provided so bees don't range to a neighbor's pool. Cities such as Gladstone and Liberty may add their own placement or hive-count limits by ordinance. Missouri's Right to Farm and its diverse flora support a strong beekeeping tradition.

Violations & Fines

Hives placed inside the required setback, or a colony that becomes a documented nuisance, can draw a correction order from county or city code enforcement. State inspectors may order treatment or destruction of diseased colonies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register my beehives in Missouri?
No. Missouri requires no apiary registration. Under Section 264.041 the Department of Agriculture inspects your bees for disease or pests when you request it or when disease is suspected.
How far from the property line must hives sit?
In unincorporated Clay County, at least twenty-five feet, with a water source provided. Cities like Gladstone and Liberty may set their own placement rules, so check local code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clay County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSignificant RestrictionsPublic Conduct: Public Alcohol UseSome RestrictionsSpecial Events & Permits: Park Event PermitsSignificant RestrictionsSpecial Events & Permits: Street Fair RulesSignificant RestrictionsSoliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor PermitsLight RestrictionsTrash & Recycling: Illegal DumpingSome Restrictions

All Clay County rules

Compare Clay County to another location·View the Missouri animal ordinances overview

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