Portland, OR Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Max hives (standard lot)
- 4
- Max hives (10,000+ sq ft)
- 6
- Property line setback
- 3 feet
- Setback from walkways/streets
- 15 feet
- Neighbor notice radius
- 150 feet, before install
Summary
Portland allows up to 4 beehives per lot (6 on lots 10,000+ sq ft), with mandatory setbacks, flyaway barriers, and a 150-foot neighbor notice before installing hives.
A. Maximum number of hives. Up to four hives may be kept on any lot. Up to six hives may be kept on lots 10,000 square feet and greater... E. Setbacks. 1. Hives must be located at least three feet from all property lines. 2. Hives must be located at least 15 feet from public walkways and streets and any public outdoor spaces used for, but not limited to, seating, playgrounds and recreational fields.
Full Breakdown
Portland City Code § 13.30.020 caps hives at four per lot, six on lots of 10,000 square feet or more, plus up to three extra during April–August for splits and swarms. Hives need water access March–October, a flyaway barrier directing bees to fly at least six feet up, and setbacks of three feet from property lines and 15 feet from public walkways, streets, and outdoor gathering spaces. Section 13.30.010 requires beekeepers to notify property owners within 150 feet before installing hives and to register with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Violations & Fines
Beekeepers must immediately remediate nuisance complaints about hive placement, swarming, waste, watering, or hive orientation (§ 13.30.010.B). The City Administrator enforces Title 13 and can inspect property under § 13.20.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep in Portland?
Do I have to tell my neighbors before keeping bees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle beekeeping.