Beekeeping: Arlington Heights vs Skokie
How do beekeeping rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Skokie, IL?
Arlington Heights has fewer restrictions than Skokie.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights permits beekeeping on residential property subject to conditions. The Village amended its ordinance to allow backyard beekeeping with restrictions on hive placement, number of colonies, and flyway barriers. Illinois does not prohibit residential beekeeping and the Illinois Department of Agriculture maintains a voluntary apiary registration program.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie does not have specific provisions permitting beekeeping in residential districts. Honeybee hives are generally treated as livestock and may not be kept in residential areas without special approval. The Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act governs hive registration statewide.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Beekeeping Allowed | Yes, with conditions | - |
| Hive Location | Rear yard only | - |
| Flyway Barrier | 6-foot barrier required | - |
| Water Source | Must be provided on-site | - |
| State Registration | Voluntary through IDOA | Required under 505 ILCS 15 |
| Residential Hives | - | Not expressly permitted |
| Permit Program | - | Not established |
| Swarm Removal | - | Via Police non-emergency |
| Contact | - | Community Dev (847) 933-8235 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
How many beehives can I have in Arlington Heights?
The number depends on your lot size. Smaller residential lots are typically limited to fewer colonies. Check with the Village for the specific limit that applies to your property.
Do I need my neighbors' permission to keep bees?
The ordinance does not require written neighbor consent, but notifying immediate neighbors is recommended as a courtesy. You must maintain a flyway barrier to minimize bee interaction with neighboring properties.
Do I need to register my hives?
Illinois offers voluntary apiary registration through the Department of Agriculture for disease monitoring purposes. Check with the Village for any local registration requirements.
Skokie FAQ
Can I keep bees in my Skokie backyard?
Skokie does not have specific provisions allowing residential beekeeping. Contact Community Development at (847) 933-8235 to confirm current policy before keeping hives.
Do I have to register bee hives in Illinois?
Yes. All Illinois apiaries must be registered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture under 505 ILCS 15, regardless of what your local municipality allows.
What do I do about a bee swarm in Skokie?
Call Skokie Police non-emergency at (847) 982-5900. They can refer to licensed beekeepers who perform swarm removal.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington Heights and Skokie compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool