Wausau, WI Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

011(b) makes it unlawful to keep honey bees in the City without being a designated beekeeper holding a valid City Clerk permit, issued after an application fee and a pre-permit inspection confirming compliance with the standards in subsection (c); a late fee of twice the application fee applies if bees are acquired before the permit is obtained. Those standards limit a premises to two hives of no more than 20 cubic feet each, restrict bees to eastern European races of Apis mellifera, and require a minimum lot size of one-third acre, with two adjacent same-owner lots allowed to combine to meet it.

A six-foot child-proof fence or flyway barrier must enclose the apiary unless hives sit at least ten feet off the ground, a constant water source is required except in winter, and hives must sit at least 25 feet from all property lines and public sidewalks and at least 50 feet from any dwelling, porch, deck, pool or other habitable structure on an adjoining lot, unless that neighbor gives written permission for closer placement. Bees are barred entirely from multi-tenant premises or lots with two or more dwelling units. The Humane Officer or Chief Inspector of the Inspection and Zoning Division may inspect permitted properties and order a violation corrected within 14 days.