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🐔 Animal Ordinances/Beekeeping

Beekeeping: Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa

How do beekeeping rules compare between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI?

Wauwatosa has fewer restrictions than Milwaukee.

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee County

Heavy Restrictions

Beekeeping requires a permit under MCO §78-6 ($80 fee). Maximum 2 hives per lot. Neighbor notification required; written objections trigger a public hearing. Flyway barriers, water source, and hive setbacks required.

View full Milwaukee rules →

Wauwatosa, WI

Milwaukee County

Some Restrictions

Wauwatosa allows 2 hives of honey bees in residential districts under §9.04.070–080 with an annual permit. Written neighbor consent and site plan required. Annual inspection required. Standards cover flyway barriers, hive location, and setbacks.

View full Wauwatosa rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactMilwaukeeWauwatosa
Permit RequiredYes — $80 fee-
Hive Limit2 per lot-
Neighbor NoticeRequired — objections trigger hearing-
Flyway BarriersRequired near property lines-
CodeMCO §78-6-
Max Hives-2 per lot (§9.04.070–080)
Permit-Annual permit + fee required
Neighbor Consent-Written permission from abutting neighbors required
Inspection-Annual inspection required

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Milwaukee FAQ

Can I keep bees in my backyard in Milwaukee?

Beekeeping requires a permit under MCO §78-6 ($80 fee). Maximum 2 hives per lot. Neighbor notification required; written objections trigger a public hearing. Flyway barriers, water source, and hive setbacks required.

What are the beekeeping regulations in Milwaukee?

Permit Required: Yes — $80 fee. Hive Limit: 2 per lot. Neighbor Notice: Required — objections trigger hearing. Flyway Barriers: Required near property lines.

Wauwatosa FAQ

Can I keep bees in my backyard in Wauwatosa?

Wauwatosa allows 2 hives of honey bees in residential districts under §9.04.070–080 with an annual permit. Written neighbor consent and site plan required. Annual inspection required. Standards cover flyway barriers, hive location, and setbacks.

What are the beekeeping regulations in Wauwatosa?

Max Hives: 2 per lot (§9.04.070–080). Permit: Annual permit + fee required. Neighbor Consent: Written permission from abutting neighbors required. Inspection: Annual inspection required.

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