Beekeeping: Glendale vs Tempe
How do beekeeping rules compare between Glendale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Glendale and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Glendale, AZ
Maricopa County
Glendale regulates beekeeping through its animal ordinance (Chapter 6) and general nuisance provisions (Chapter 25). Arizona is an Africanized honeybee zone, which affects local beekeeping regulations. Beekeepers must ensure colonies do not create a public nuisance. The Arizona Department of Agriculture oversees statewide apiary registration requirements.
View full Glendale rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe allows residential beekeeping with certain restrictions. Hives must maintain setbacks from property lines and neighboring structures. Water sources must be provided to prevent bees from seeking water on neighboring properties.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Chapter 6 (Animals) and Chapter 25 (Nuisances) | - |
| State Registration | AZ Dept of Agriculture for commercial apiaries (ARS 3-363) | - |
| Africanized Bees | Glendale is in an Africanized honeybee zone | Must be requeened |
| Nuisance Standard | Colonies must not create a public nuisance | - |
| HOA Rules | Many Glendale HOAs have additional beekeeping restrictions | - |
| Swarm Response | Maricopa County Vector Control | - |
| Allowed | - | Yes, in residential zones |
| Setback | - | 10 feet from property lines recommended |
| Water Source | - | Must be provided near hives |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
Is beekeeping legal in Glendale AZ?
Yes, beekeeping is legal, but colonies must not create a public nuisance. Check both city ordinances and any HOA restrictions that may apply to your property.
Do I need to register my beehives?
Commercial apiaries must register with the Arizona Department of Agriculture under ARS 3-363. Hobbyist beekeepers with small operations may be exempt, but should verify current requirements.
What if my neighbor's bees are aggressive?
Contact Maricopa County Vector Control for aggressive bee complaints. The city can also enforce nuisance provisions if bee colonies disturb neighbors.
Tempe FAQ
Can I keep bees in Tempe?
Yes. Beekeeping is allowed in residential zones. Hives should be set back from property lines, and a water source must be provided to prevent bees from bothering neighbors.
What if my bees become aggressive?
Africanized or aggressive colonies must be requeened. Colonies creating a nuisance may be subject to abatement by county vector control.
Compare other topics
See how Glendale and Tempe 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