Beekeeping Rules in Minneapolis
UPDATED 11/27/2023- Minneapolis claims it is taking steps to make taking out a beekeeping permit easier. Minnesota's largest City states on their website:
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"In Minneapolis, keeping bees helps home gardens and the surrounding ecosystem thrive. Pollinator populations are in sharp decline because of an ongoing loss of habitat coupled with a large-scale expansion of pesticide use by homeowners, landscapers, property managers and farmers.
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The City of Minneapolis has made it easier for residents to apply for a permit to keep bees on their property."
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We service all of Minneapolis and as long as the site meets the regulations Minneapolis has laid out we meet all the other requirements. Below is a list of requirements the city requires for the property in order for your property to qualify for our Host a Hive program.
Bee Hive Friendly Grade
B
Minneapolis Beekeeping Property Rules
We Handle
Water Source
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Make sure to provide a water source while the colony is active outside the hive. We provide a water feeder if their is no water on-site.
We Handle
Hive Maintenance
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Maintain beekeeping equipment – keep hives painted and secure unused equipment from the weather, potential theft, or occupancy by swarms. We actively manage all aspects of this requirment.
We Handle
Abandoned Hive
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Notify MACC immediately if you are no longer able or willing to maintain your beehives. MACC will make the hives available to an approved honeybee rescue entity or dispose of them if necessary. There is a fifty-dollar ($50.00) hive disposal fee. We remove the bees and hives if you ever want to cancel your service.
Owner and Beekeeper Handled
Property Set-Backs
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Colonies must be located at least 20 feet away from neighbors’ homes. When choosing a location that you would like to have the bees our beekeeper will ensure the final location meets this requirement.
Property Owner
Accessible Locations Fence
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The apiary property must be enclosed by a latching fence. This is for locations that are in the yard and NOT on a terrace, roof, or similar.
Property Owner
Fly-Away Barrier
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If a colony is less than 25 feet from your property line, a flyway barrier (wall, fence, dense vegetation, or combination) must be installed. The flyway barrier must be at least six feet tall and must continue 10 feet along the lot line in each direction from the hive.
Property owner
Hive Barrier
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All other sides of the area around the colonies shall have a barrier (wall, fencing, dense vegetation, or a combination) at least four feet tall. Arborvitaes in pots or planted work well for this task.
NOTE: No barrier is required if the adjoining property is undeveloped, zoned for agriculture/industry, or is a wildlife management area with no horse and foot trails within 25 feet of the apiary lot line. No barrier is needed on rooftop hives if they are at least 5 feet from the side of the structure and at least 15 feet from adjacent occupied structures.
Application Process - Beekeeping Minneapolis
1. Take A Class
We Handle
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Provide a certificate of completion of a honeybee-keeping course from one of the following. We already qualify under this requirement.
2. Provide Details
Property Owner / Help from Us
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Specify the location and number of hives, colonies, and/or facilities where honeybees will be kept. Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) is required to inspect the location. We help facilitate the location.
3. Notify Neighbors
Property Owner
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Show proof that you have notified all your immediate neighbors that you plan to keep bees on your property. Your notification method must be approved by MACC. If you are a renter, you will also need approval from your property owner.
4. Pay a Fee
Property Owner
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Visit Pet licenses and animal permits for an application and more information.
Host a Hive of Honey Bees in Minneapolis
You can get started on having a beehive hosted (beehive rental) on your property in Minneapolis by filling out our form for MN Host a Hive. Once we approve the location, you will then need to follow the steps for the rules as outlined above and then fill out an application with the City of Minneapolis and that link is below.