Sahuarita, AZ Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Sahuarita does not impose a standalone beekeeping ordinance beyond Pima County and state-level rules. Arizona Revised Statutes Title 3, Chapter 7 (ARS 3-904 et seq.) requires all beekeepers to register colonies with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and allow state inspectors access to hives for disease control. Africanized honey bee concerns in the Sonoran Desert region mean Pima County Animal Control can respond to aggressive swarm complaints and order abatement of nuisance colonies. The town follows Pima County Code Chapter 6.04 for animal nuisance enforcement, which can apply to poorly managed hives causing neighbor disturbances. Beekeepers should maintain adequate water sources on-site to prevent bees from congregating at neighboring pools or irrigation systems, a common concern in the arid climate around Sahuarita pecan orchards. ARS 3-112 (Right to Farm) protects agricultural operations including apiaries from nuisance lawsuits if they comply with accepted practices. There is no cap on the number of hives for residential parcels, though lots under one acre should practically limit colonies to avoid density complaints.