Phoenix allows beekeeping under its urban agriculture provisions. A maximum of 2 hives of bees (Apidae family) may be kept. Arizona is an Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) state, which requires additional safety precautions. Hives must be registered with the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Beekeepers should be aware of AHB risks and maintain gentle bee colonies.
Phoenix permits residential beekeeping under Phoenix City Code Chapter 8, Article II, with no specific limit on the number of hives, though colonies must be managed to prevent nuisance conditions. Hives should be positioned with flight paths directed away from neighboring properties and public walkways, and a water source must be provided on-site to prevent bees from seeking water at neighboring pools—a common concern in the arid Phoenix climate. The Maricopa County Agricultural Extension recommends Africanized honey bee awareness, as aggressive colonies are prevalent in the Sonoran Desert region and swarm reports should be directed to a licensed pest control operator. For bee-related complaints or swarm emergencies, residents can contact Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) at (602) 506-7387 or Phoenix Fire Department at (602) 262-6011 if there is an immediate safety threat.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Phoenix code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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