Springfield, MO Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

City Code § 18-28 permits beekeeping citywide, but only honey bees (Apis mellifera) may be kept on land not zoned for agricultural use; other bee species are barred outside agricultural zones. Every hive must have a usable water source within 20 feet to keep bees off neighbors' pools, fountains, and birdbaths, and must be labeled with the keeper's name, phone number, and address. Keepers must show proof of a beekeeping course or two years' incident-free experience on request. A hive that turns aggressive or otherwise violates the chapter can be ordered removed and, if not removed, abated as a nuisance under Chapter 74.