Beekeeping: Marana vs Tucson
How do beekeeping rules compare between Marana, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Marana and Tucson have similar restriction levels.
Marana, AZ
Pima County
Marana allows beekeeping on residential lots under Pima County Animal Control standards. The town has no standalone beekeeping ordinance, but nuisance complaints are handled through Town Code Chapter 6-1 and Pima County Code Chapter 6.04 which covers bee colony management and Africanized-bee response.
View full Marana rules →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Tucson allows residential beekeeping under the Urban Agriculture ordinance with a limit of 2 hives per lot under 10,000 square feet and up to 4 hives on larger lots. Hives must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and have a 6-foot flyway barrier toward neighbor-facing sides.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Marana | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Town Ordinance | No standalone beekeeping code | - |
| County Enforcement | Pima County Code 6.04 | - |
| State Registration | ARS 3-363 apiary registration | - |
| HOA Restrictions | May apply in master-planned communities | - |
| Hive Limit | - | 2 under 10,000 sq ft, 4 larger lots |
| Setback | - | 10 feet from property lines |
| Flyway Barrier | - | 6 feet toward neighbors |
| On-site Water | - | Required to prevent foraging |
| Africanized Bees | - | Requeen aggressive hives |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Marana FAQ
Can I keep bees in my Marana backyard?
Yes. Marana has no zoning prohibition on backyard beekeeping, and Arizona state law under ARS 3-363.02 prevents outright local bans. However, your HOA may have CC&R restrictions, and colonies that become a nuisance can be cited under Pima County Animal Control.
Do I need to register my hive?
The Arizona Department of Agriculture requires apiary registration under ARS 3-363. Marana does not have a separate registration requirement.
Tucson FAQ
Can I keep bees in my Tucson backyard?
Yes. Up to 2 hives on lots under 10,000 square feet or up to 4 hives on larger lots, set back 10 feet from property lines with a 6-foot flyway barrier toward neighbors.
What if my Tucson hive becomes aggressive?
Arizona has widespread Africanized honey bee genetics. You must requeen aggressive hives promptly with gentle stock. Pima County can order removal of a hive that repeatedly stings neighbors or pets.
Compare other topics
See how Marana and Tucson 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