Sahuarita, AZ Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Colony density limit
- 1 colony per 2,500 sq ft
- Flyway barrier height
- 5 ft minimum
- Barrier length past hive
- 30 ft each direction
- Registration required with
- AZ Commission of Agriculture & Horticulture
- Ag-pollination exception
- up to 60 days
- Max civil penalty
- $750 per offense (individual)
Summary
Sahuarita allows backyard beekeeping in every zoning district under STC § 18.07.030(E), but caps colony density at one hive per 2,500 square feet of lot area. Hives kept within 30 feet of a property line need a five-foot flyway barrier extending 30 feet past the hive, and every beekeeper must register the operation with the Arizona Commission of Agriculture and Horticulture.
Beekeeping.
1. The following beekeeping regulations apply to all zoning districts:
a. The density of colonies in any zoning district shall not exceed one colony of bees for each 2,500 square feet of lot area.
b. If bees are kept within 30 feet of any exterior lot boundary line, a barrier shall be erected that will prevent bees from flying through it. Such barrier shall:
(1) Be at least five feet in height and shall consist of plant, hedge, or any constructed material;
(2) Extend at least 30 feet beyond the hive(s) in both directions. ... 2. Registration.
a. Each beekeeper shall register the beekeeping operation with the Arizona Commission of Agriculture and Horticulture.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4745395; v0 updated 2025-12-08; through 12-08-2025).
Full Breakdown
030(E) applies the same beekeeping standard to every rural, residential, business and industrial zone in town: no more than one colony of bees for each 2,500 square feet of lot area. If a hive sits within 30 feet of any exterior lot line, the keeper must erect a barrier, such as a hedge, fence or other constructed material, that is at least five feet tall and extends at least 30 feet beyond the hive in both directions, so bees are forced to fly up and over rather than across a neighbor's yard at head height.
Keepers must also provide fresh, clean water on site so bees are not drawn to a neighbor's pool or pet dish. Every beekeeper must register the operation with the Arizona Commission of Agriculture and Horticulture and keep bees and equipment in accordance with that agency's rules. The code carves out two exceptions: bees actively working a commercial agricultural pollination job for up to 60 days do not need to meet the density or barrier standards, and the rule does not stop a government facility, school or university from keeping bees for study or observation purposes.
Violations & Fines
A beekeeping operation that exceeds the colony density limit or skips the required flyway barrier is a zoning violation handled under STC § 18.95.030: the zoning administrator inspects, issues written notice, and can cite the keeper. STC § 18.95.040 sets a maximum penalty of $750 per offense for an individual, and each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Sahuarita?
How close to my property line can I put a hive?
How many hives can I keep on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sahuarita
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