Sterling Heights, MI Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Required from City Clerk
- Hive limit
- 2 per half-acre lot (R-60–R-100)
- Placement
- Rear yard only
- Setback
- 10 ft minimum from property line
- Permit term
- Valid 3 years, renewable
Summary
Sterling Heights requires a hobby beekeeping permit from the City Clerk before installing hives, and residential hives must sit in the rear yard, at least ten feet from property lines.
(A) No person shall keep or allow the keeping of bees on any property unless a hobby beekeeping permit for the keeping of bees on that property has been issued and remains valid in accordance with the requirements of this article. (B) Beehives shall only be installed and operated in accordance with all of the following standards: (1) A beehive may only be located in the rear yard of a property; (2) A beehive must be at least ten feet from any property line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
No one may keep bees anywhere in Sterling Heights, Macomb County, without a hobby beekeeping permit issued by the City Clerk under City Code § 8-54A. Hives must sit in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from any property line and 20 feet from public sidewalks, trails or parks, behind a flight path barrier. On single-family lots zoned R-60 through R-100 under one-half acre, only two beehives are allowed, with one more per additional half-acre, capped at 20. Violations can trigger permit revocation after four notices in 12 months.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees without a permit, or violating hive placement rules, is a misdemeanor under Chapter 8 punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of at least $500, or community service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Sterling Heights?
How many beehives can I have on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
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