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
Policy Links: Web
Policy type: ordinance
Year: 2012
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
Support 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 and Information: Link 1