Local Government Food Policy Database
Keeping of Honeybees, Ordinance No. 12-00035
| Jurisdiction Name | Madison |
| State / Province | WI |
| Country | United States |
| Type of Government | Municipality |
| Population | 233,209 |
| Population Range | 50,000 to 249,999 |
| Year | 2012 |
| Policy Links | View Policy Online |
| Policy Type | ordinance |
| GFC Topic | community food production |
| Keywords | agriculture, bees, food production, honeybee permit, honeybees, honeybees permit, land use, local, urban agriculture, zoning |
| Adopting Government Department(s) | Madison City Council |
| Lead Implementing Entity(s) | City of Madison, WI Treasurer's Office |
| Supporting Entity(s) | City of Madison Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development |
| Funding Amount | n/a |
| Funding Sources | n/a |
| Policy Outcome(s) |
The city of Madison updated their code of ordinances and zoning code to allow for beekeeping in the city. There are a number of restrictions related to the keeping of honeybees, including a limit of 6 hives on a lot, not exceeding 20 cubic feet in volume. In addition, hives must be at least 3 feet from any property line, 10 feet from a sidewalk, and 25 feet from a principal building on an abutting lot. In addition, the owner, operator, or tenant of the hive must obtain a permit annually for $10. It is allowed in all zones but manufacturing, office, and exclusively commercial districts. |
| Additional Resources |
http://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/bi/obtaining-a-city-of-madison-beekeeping-license/108/ |
| Contact | |
| Organization | Treasurer's Office |
| Phone | 608-266-4771 |
