Sedona, AZ Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

D(2), an accessory use allowed only on a lot with an occupied dwelling in residential districts and only after the City issues a permit; keeping bees without one is unlawful under the code. No more than two hives are allowed per lot, and both must sit behind the primary structure, in front of the rear lot line, and set back a minimum of five feet from the side and rear property lines. Every hive setup requires a flyway barrier, made of solid wall, fence or dense vegetation that bees cannot pass through, standing at least six feet tall, positioned within five feet of the hive's entrance and extending at least ten feet beyond the colony in each direction, so the bees are forced to climb above head height before crossing onto a neighbor's property.

Beekeepers must keep a source of fresh water on site at all times to keep bees from congregating at swimming pools, pet bowls or birdbaths where they could contact people or pets. Initial colonies must come from gentle, nonswarming stock, and if a colony turns aggressive or swarms, the keeper is required to re-queen it with gentler stock. An abandoned hive, or any swarm or colony showing it has been neglected, is declared a public nuisance outright and can be summarily destroyed or removed by the City, though the beekeeper gets 30 days from the date of the complaint to bring it into compliance first.

Before a permit is issued, the City mails notice to every property within 100 feet of the site, 15 days ahead of approval, giving neighbors a chance to weigh in.