Westerville, OH Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State Registration
- ODA annual, by June 1
- Cost
- Free
- State Law
- ORC Ch. 909
- Local Ban
- None
- Setback
- 10+ feet recommended
Summary
Beekeeping is permitted in Westerville residential zones with registration required under Ohio Department of Agriculture rules (ORC 909). Hives must be set back from property lines and registered annually with the State Apiarist. Westerville zoning does not specifically prohibit residential beekeeping.
Any person owning or possessing bees shall on or before the first day of June of each year, or thereafter within thirty days after coming into ownership or possession of bees, or upon moving bees into this state from outside the state, file with the director of agriculture an application for registration setting forth the exact location of the person's apiaries and such other information as is required by the director. All registrations issued in accordance with this section expire on the following thirty-first day of May and shall be renewed according to the standard renewal procedure of sections 4745.01 to 4745.03 of the Revised Code.
Full Breakdown
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 909 requires all beekeepers to register apiaries annually with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) by June 1. Registration is free. Westerville Codified Ordinances do not specifically regulate beekeeping, placing it under general animal keeping and zoning rules. Hives should be set back at least 10 feet from property lines with a flyway barrier if within 25 feet of a neighbor. HOAs in Westerville subdivisions may impose stricter rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to keep bees in Westerville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westerville
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