Sioux City, IA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning
- AG district only, conditional use
- Hive setback
- 5 feet from property line
- School setback
- 200 feet from schools/day cares
- Flyway barrier
- 6-ft barrier within 25 feet
- Colony cap
- 4-8 colonies by lot size
Summary
Sioux City only allows apiaries as a conditional use in the Agriculture (AG) zoning district, with 5-foot hive setbacks, flyway barriers, and colony limits tied to lot size.
Apiaries may be allowed as a conditional use in the Agriculture (AG) district, if in addition to the other applicable standards of this Code, it is provided that:
a. Hives. All bee colonies shall be kept in hives with removable combs, which shall be kept in sound and usable condition.
b. Setbacks.
1. All hives shall be located at least five feet from any property line.
2. Apiaries shall be set back at least 200 feet from the property lines of schools and all types of day care facilities.
c. Fencing of Flyways. In each instance in which any colony is situated within 25 feet of a property line of the tract upon which the apiary is situated, or within 25 feet of an area of the property used for public recreation or assembly (e.g., picnic tables, playground, etc.), as measured from the nearest point on the hive to the property line or recreation / assembly area, the beekeeper shall establish and maintain a flyway barrier at least six feet in height, consisting of a solid wall or fence parallel to the property line or recreation / assembly area and extending 10 feet beyond the colony in each direction, so that all 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.
Full Breakdown
Sioux City Municipal Code § 25.02.190(7) confines apiaries to a conditional use in the AG (Agriculture) zoning district. Hives must be kept in sound, removable-comb structures at least five feet from any property line and 200 feet from schools or day cares. Any colony within 25 feet of a property line or public recreation area requires a six-foot flyway barrier forcing bees to fly above head height. Beekeepers must provide a non-stagnant water source, promptly dispose of comb debris, requeen aggressive colonies, and stay within density limits: four colonies per quarter-to-half acre, six per half-to-one acre, eight per acre or more, with no cap if every hive sits at least 200 feet from all property lines.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees outside the AG district or violating setback, flyway, or density limits is a zoning violation under § 25.06.160.3, a municipal infraction fined $100–$750 first offense, up to $1,000 thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in a Sioux City residential yard?
How many bee colonies can I keep in Sioux City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux City
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