Cook County, IL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Colony cap (lots <½ acre)
- 4 colonies maximum
- Lot-line setback
- 10 feet minimum
- Hive elevation
- 1 foot above grade
- Small-lot enclosure height
- 6 feet minimum barrier
- Registration
- Illinois Dept. of Agriculture
Summary
In unincorporated Cook County, up to four registered bee colonies are allowed on lots under half an acre, with setback and enclosure rules.
E. Beekeeping. Bee colonies may be kept on residential and commercial zoning lots, provided they comply with the following regulations: 1. Colonies must be registered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. 2. An adequate water source shall be provided between March and November. 3. Apiaries shall be located in the rear of a zoning lot. 4. Apiaries shall be setback no less than ten feet from an abutting lot line. 5. Apiaries shall be elevated a minimum of one foot above grade. 6. When kept on zoning lots of less than ½ acre apiaries shall be enclosed by a barrier of a minimum of six feet in height. 7. When located on zoning lots of less than ½ acre the keeping of bees shall be limited to a maximum of four bee colonies.
Full Breakdown
Cook County's Zoning Ordinance allows bee colonies on residential and commercial zoning lots in unincorporated Cook County. Colonies must be registered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, given a water source from March through November, and kept in the rear yard, set back at least 10 feet from an abutting lot line and elevated at least one foot above grade. On lots smaller than half an acre, apiaries must be enclosed by a barrier at least six feet high and are capped at four colonies; larger lots have no stated colony cap. The rule sits alongside the County's general animal-keeping provisions in Article 8 of the zoning ordinance, which also require animal enclosures to be structurally sound and to meet the district's setback standards.
Violations & Fines
Keeping unregistered colonies, placing hives outside the rear yard or inside the 10-foot lot-line setback, skipping the six-foot enclosure on small lots, or exceeding four colonies on a lot under half an acre violates Section 8.7.7.E and can draw a zoning enforcement action from the Department of Building and Zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Chicago or other Cook County towns?
Is there a colony limit on larger lots?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
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