Portland allows beekeeping on residential property without a permit under Title 13 (amended 2020). Beekeepers must notify neighbors within 150 feet, register with Oregon Department of Agriculture (5+ hives), maintain a 6-foot flyaway barrier within 10 feet of property lines, and follow OSU Extension best practices.
Portland Title 13 Chapter 13.30 governs beekeeping. No permit required since the 2020 code update (Ordinance 190086, effective September 4, 2020). Key requirements: beekeepers must send written notification to all property owners within 150 feet before installing hives; ODA registration required for 5+ hives; a flyaway barrier at least 6 feet high (solid wall, fence, dense vegetation) must parallel all lot lines within 10 feet of the apiary, extending 10 feet beyond it on each side; colonies must be managed to prevent swarming; nuisance complaints must be remediated immediately. Hive entrance orientation should minimize bee flight over neighbor's property. Enforcement by Multnomah County Vector Control.
Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: mediation then fines. Unregistered apiary: ODA enforcement.
Portland, OR
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