Arkansas Urban Beekeeping Laws: What City and Suburban Beekeepers Need to Know

Whether you’re dreaming of backyard honey in Little Rock, pollinator gardens in Fayetteville, or a rooftop hive in Hot Springs, Arkansas is catching the buzz for urban beekeeping. But is it legal to keep bees in the city? And what does it actually take to set up a hive without running afoul of the law (or your neighbors)? Here’s your in-depth, plain-English guide to Arkansas urban beekeeping laws—and some real-world advice for keeping bees happy and your city government off your back.

Is Urban Beekeeping Legal in Arkansas?

Yes, urban beekeeping is legal in most Arkansas cities and towns, but with local rules you’ll need to follow. Arkansas is historically a bee-friendly state, recognizing the role bees play in agriculture and the environment. However, cities and counties have authority to create their own ordinances about livestock, animals, and nuisance activities—including beekeeping.

State Laws: The Foundation for Urban Beekeeping

At the state level, Arkansas beekeepers must follow rules set out by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Apiary Division. Here’s what matters for city beekeepers:

Hive Registration: All beekeepers (urban or rural) are required to register their apiaries with the state. Registration is free, easy, and helps track bee health and prevent disease spread. Register here.
Inspection and Movement: The state apiary inspector can inspect hives for disease and can issue quarantines or order destruction of diseased colonies. If you buy bees from out-of-state or sell/move bees across state lines, you’ll need inspection certificates.
No Statewide Ban in Cities: There’s no Arkansas state law banning urban beekeeping. However, state law gives cities broad authority to regulate or restrict animals, including honeybees, through zoning or nuisance codes.

Local Ordinances: Where the Real Rules Are

Most Arkansas cities either allow beekeeping outright or regulate it under general “livestock” or “nuisance” laws. Some towns (like Little Rock) have clear, written rules; others may have no specific ordinance, but use general nuisance codes. Here are the most common city rules you’ll see:

Number of Hives: Cities may cap the number of hives per residential lot—often 2 or 4, sometimes more on large properties.
Setbacks and Placement: Most cities require hives to be a certain distance from property lines, sidewalks, and public areas. Setbacks of 10–25 feet are typical, but check your city code.
Flyway Barriers: If hives are within a certain distance of property lines, you may be required to install a barrier (fence or hedge 6 feet high) to guide bees up and over, away from neighbor traffic.
Water Source: Cities often require you to provide a reliable water source (like a shallow bird bath) to keep bees from visiting your neighbor’s pool or pet bowls.
Nuisance Rules: Even without a beekeeping ordinance, repeated stings, swarming, or bee problems can be cited as a nuisance, and hives can be ordered removed if they cause trouble.
HOA or Lease Rules: Homeowner associations or landlords can restrict or ban beekeeping even when the city allows it. Always check your CC&Rs or lease before you start.

City Examples: Urban Beekeeping in Arkansas

Little Rock: Allows up to 4 hives per residential lot. Requires hives to be set back at least 10 feet from property lines, and 25 feet from neighboring homes. Water source and flyway barriers encouraged. Nuisance and removal clauses apply.
Fayetteville: Permits urban beekeeping, with a recommended setback of 10 feet and strong advice to provide water and maintain good neighbor relations. Hives must not create a public nuisance.
Hot Springs: Does not ban bees, but hives are subject to animal and nuisance ordinances. Complaints may trigger inspections.
Bentonville: No outright ban, but hives must comply with livestock and nuisance codes. Water source and setback rules are enforced in most neighborhoods.

If your city isn’t listed, contact your local planning or animal control office. In towns with no specific code, general nuisance rules still apply.

What About Selling Honey?

Arkansas’ “cottage food law” allows beekeepers to sell honey and hive products direct to consumers without a commercial kitchen, as long as sales are under a certain dollar limit (currently $20,000 per year; check for updates). Labels must include your name, address, and the statement that it was made in a home kitchen. Larger-scale or wholesale sales may require further permits.

Beekeeper Responsibilities: Good Neighbor Policy

Register your hives annually with the state Apiary Division.
Keep colonies healthy and free of disease or pests—state inspectors may check.
Inform neighbors about your hives, especially if they have allergies or concerns. Sometimes sharing honey goes a long way!
Keep hives out of high-traffic areas, away from play spaces, and use flyway barriers if close to sidewalks or fences.
Respond quickly to complaints or issues—move hives or adjust practices if needed to keep peace in the neighborhood.
Join a local beekeeping club for advice, support, and swarm help.

Penalties and Enforcement

City animal control or zoning can order hive removal or levy fines for nuisance or violation of ordinances.
HOAs may impose their own fines or require removal if you break CC&R rules.
State can order removal or destruction of diseased hives to protect the broader bee population.

Tips for Happy Bees and Happier Neighbors

Face hive entrances away from streets and neighbors’ yards.
Use a flyway barrier to lift bee flight paths above head height.
Provide a constant, shallow water source, especially in hot summers.
Limit the number of hives to avoid crowding and aggressive bees.
Monitor for swarming and split hives in spring if necessary.
Educate your neighbors—many concerns disappear when people understand the benefits of pollinators.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Urban Beekeeping in Arkansas—Legal, Rewarding, and Growing

With proper registration, neighborly care, and respect for city rules, you can keep bees in most Arkansas cities. Urban beekeeping supports local food, healthy gardens, and thriving communities. Just remember to register, check your city code and HOA, and keep your hives happy—and you’ll enjoy sweet rewards right in your own backyard.