Are bees allowed? Depends on zoning.
Yes, in A-1 Agricultural Reserve District (19+ A) and A-2 Estate Residential District (9+ A) and portions of some PUD’s (PUD’s must match lot size requirements of A-1 and A-2 zoning districts to be eligible for beekeeping). See below for Livestock regulation or visit link <click here>.
No, in all other districts, including Residential and Commercial. See below for Urban Livestock prohibition or visit link <click here>.
See Additional Notes for Interactive zoning map.
160.39 URBAN LIVESTOCK.
(A) Livestock may be raised and kept without limit or restriction on farms as defined in this Code, regardless of zoning district. In all other cases urban livestock shall be prohibited in all residential zoning districts, including be not limited to R-1L, R-1I, R1S, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Districts, and those portions of Planned Unit Developments that have correlating minimum lot widths and areas, and any other residential subdivision. However, private stables and paddocks exclusively for horses may be allowed on any residential property that meets the requirements below.
(B) Private stables and paddocks….
If a nuisance was called: Nuisance Code (Ch. 97) definitions and abatement process are very open to interpretation and would not apply to A-1 and A-2 lots. Bees found in unpermitted areas would be handled on a case by case basis with respect to length of time given to remedy, fines, etc.
Find Ch. 97 by following this link: <click here>
Additional notes: Read Definition of Livestock, Urban, below, located in Ch. 160.2, or visit source: <click here>
LIVESTOCK, URBAN. Domestic animals that are kept or raised primarily as pets or for pleasure but also for food or other uses, especially but not limited to pigeons, poultry and other fowl, rabbits, and farm animals of small, diminutive or miniature size compared to customary livestock of its type, whether by nature or selective breeding, such as potbelly or teacup pigs, pygmy goats, and miniature or mid-size cattle.
Staff understands that honey bees are not domesticated livestock. Bees are not specifically mentioned but staff believes honey bees are covered in the “especially but not limited to” verbage.
Find your zoning district with the interactive zoning map: https://maps.urbandale.org/zoningdistricts/
Contact: Steve Franklin
Department: Community Development
Title: Director
Email: sfranklin@urbandale.org
Phone: 515-331-6720
County: Dallas and Polk