⚠️ Not Legal Advice: Summaries for educational purposes only. Verify with official Portland, OR authorities.
Beekeeping Laws in Portland, OR: 2026 Guide
Last checked: 2/1/2026
At a Glance
| Regulatory Factor | Requirement Details | Official Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Is urban beekeeping legal? | Yes, allowed on most residential lots. | Title 13, Ch 13.30 |
| Permit required? | No, compliance-based system. | Guide to Bees |
| Hive limits | 4 hives (<10k sq ft); 6 hives (≥10k sq ft). | Ch 13.30.030 |
| Setback requirements | 3 ft from lot lines; 15 ft from streets/sidewalks. | Ch 13.30.040 |
| Start requirement | Neighbor notification required before install. | Ch 13.30.060 |
Is Urban Beekeeping Legal in Portland?
Yes. Portland’s municipal code explicitly permits backyard beekeeping citywide.
The City Code Title 13 (Bees and Livestock) governs hives; Chapter 13.30 (Keeping Bees) establishes standards but does not ban urban hives. In fact, the City’s sustainability office notes that “Portland residents are allowed to keep bees…and livestock in their backyards,” provided they follow the regulations.
Solitary & Honey Bee Allowance
Portland code is rigorous about swarm prevention but encourages beekeeping as an accessory use.
- Standard Lots (<10,000 sq. ft.): Up to 4 hives.
- Large Lots (≥10,000 sq. ft.): Up to 6 hives.
- Bonus: You are allowed 3 additional temporary hives for swarm control/splits (must be removed/consolidated by season’s end).
Hive Placement and Setbacks
Chapter 13.30 specifies exactly how hives can be sited.
1. Flyway Barriers & Elevation
Hives must be elevated or shielded so that bees leave the property at ≥6 feet above ground. This can be achieved by:
- Placing the hive at least 10 ft above ground (e.g. roof/deck).
- Installing a solid or vegetative flyway barrier (≥6 ft tall, extending 10 ft beyond the hive) parallel to the property line.
2. Minimum Setbacks
All hives must also meet strict distance rules:
- Lot Lines: At least 3 ft from any property line.
- Public Ways: At least 15 ft from any public walkway, street, or shared outdoor area (like a playground or courtyard).
- Buildings: In multi-unit lots, hives must also be 15 ft from building walls and seating/play areas.
3. Maintenance
Owners must ensure:
- Water: On-site water available March–October (within ~15 ft of the hive).
- Condition: Hives kept in sound condition to prevent crowding.
Neighbor Notification
Before installing hives, you are legally required to notify all neighbors whose property is within 150 feet of yours. This is a notice of intent, explaining how you will meet code provisions.
Urban Agriculture and Sustainability Context
Portland’s policies emphasize sustainable local food production and urban agriculture. The City’s food policy focuses on improving access to healthy, locally-grown food through community gardens, farmers markets, and backyard farming.
Beekeeping is part of this agenda: urban hives help pollinate gardens and produce honey for residents. The City explicitly encourages keeping bees and other backyard livestock as a means of connecting people to food production and nature.
Beekeeping Laws by ZIP Code in Portland
Beekeeping laws in Portland apply citywide, meaning the same rules above cover all Portland ZIP codes. For example, whether you live in North Portland (97203), the Pearl District (97209), Hawthorne (97214), Lents (97266), or any other Portland ZIP, the same Title 13 requirements apply.
⚠️ Always confirm with your local building rules. While the city permits bees, condo associations or rental agreements may have stricter private rules.