Beekeeping in Salt Lake City

Residential bees benefit our community in a variety of ways while providing a sustainable, and healthy source of food and wax. They also support pollination of food sources and greenery around the city.

Conditions for Residential Beekeeping

Beekeeper must be registered with the Utah Department of Agriculture.

Hives must be in the side or rear yard.

Bees permitted: common Honeybee (Apis mellifera) at any stage of its life, excluding the African Honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata) and any hybrids.

Hives must have removable frames.

Hives must be five (5) feet from property line.

Bees must have easy access to water on owner’s property.

Hives must be placed so that general flight patterns avoid contact with humans and domestic animals.

Hive must be maintained according to Utah Bee Inspection Act.

Actions

Review the Beekeeping Ordinance (PDF)

Apply for a Permit through Utah Department of Agriculture

Report a Swarm to Utah Beekeepers Association

NOTE

The Salt Lake City Beekeeping Ordinance is currently under review to ensure compliance with updates to the State’s Bee Inspection Act passed during the 2024 legislative session.

HB 297 Utah Bee Inspection Act Amendments