Beekeeping: Skokie vs Tinley Park
How do beekeeping rules compare between Skokie, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Skokie and Tinley Park have similar restriction levels.
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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Beekeeping is prohibited in Tinley Park under Section 91.14. It is unlawful to keep or harbor bees, wasps, hornets, or similar insects within the Village. This prohibition was most recently amended by Ordinance 2024-O-060.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Skokie | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Hives | Not expressly permitted | - |
| State Registration | Required under 505 ILCS 15 | - |
| Permit Program | Not established | - |
| Swarm Removal | Via Police non-emergency | - |
| Contact | Community Dev (847) 933-8235 | - |
| Code Section | - | Section 91.14 |
| Beekeeping | - | Prohibited |
| Latest Amendment | - | Ord. 2024-O-060 |
| Max Fine | - | $750 per offense |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tinley Park FAQ
Can I keep bees in Tinley Park?
No. Beekeeping is prohibited under Section 91.14. It is unlawful to keep or harbor bees, wasps, or hornets within the Village.
Has Tinley Park ever considered allowing beekeeping?
The section has been amended twice (2017 and 2024), but the prohibition on beekeeping remains in effect as of the most recent amendment.
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