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Providence, RI Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

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

Key Facts

Location
Rear yard only
Setback
10 feet from lot lines
Hive type
Removable-frame hives required
Flyway barrier
6 ft, if within 25 ft of line
Permit
No building permit needed

Summary

Providence lets residents keep honeybees without a building permit, but apiaries must sit in the rear yard, 10 feet off lot lines, in removable-frame hives.

Apiaries are permitted only in the rear yard and shall be located 10 feet from any lot line and the principal building. All bee colonies shall be kept in a removable frame hive, which shall be kept in sound and usable condition. Where any colony is located within 25 feet of a lot line...the beekeeper shall establish and maintain a flyway barrier at least six feet in height...so that bees are forced to fly at an elevation of at least six feet above ground level over the property lines in the vicinity of the apiary.

Source: Providence Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under the zoning ordinance's accessory-use standards, apiaries need no building permit but are confined to the rear yard, at least 10 feet from any lot line and the principal building. Colonies must live in removable-frame hives kept sound and usable. Any hive within 25 feet of a lot line requires a six-foot flyway barrier (hedge, fence, or wall) so bees are forced to fly above head height over neighboring property. Beekeepers must also keep water available to the colony and re-queen any hive that turns unusually aggressive or prone to swarming.

Violations & Fines

Placing hives outside the rear yard, skipping the required setback or flyway barrier, or using a non-removable-frame hive violates § 1302.C and is enforceable as a zoning ordinance violation subject to the city's zoning enforcement provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to keep bees in Providence?
No building permit is required for an apiary, but it must meet the rear-yard placement, setback, hive, and barrier rules in § 1302.C.
How close to my property line can I put a hive?
At least 10 feet from any lot line and the principal building; hives within 25 feet of a line also need a six-foot flyway barrier.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Providence

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All Providence rules

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