Ann Arbor permits managed beekeeping with a permit and Michigan state registration. The U of M city's strong beekeeping community and MSU Extension resources make it one of the best-supported environments for new Midwest beekeepers.
Quick Summary
Hive limit: Up to 4 colonies · City permit: Required · State registration: Required (Michigan Dept of Agriculture) · Setback: 10 ft from property line · Code: Ann Arbor City Code § 9:42
Ann Arbor's Beekeeping Framework
Ann Arbor City Code § 9:42 — Ann Arbor's urban agriculture section — permits up to 4 managed honey bee colonies with a permit. Ann Arbor's beekeeping setback (10 feet from property lines) is notably less demanding than most cities, making it accessible even on Ann Arbor's smaller university-area lots. The flyway fence alternative (6-foot barrier between entrance and any property line within 10 feet) is available where even the 10-foot setback can't be met.
Michigan State Registration
Michigan requires registration of all managed honey bee colonies with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD):
Register at michigan.gov/mdard → Agriculture → Bees and Other Pollinators
Annual fee: free for hobby beekeepers
Michigan apiary inspectors are well-resourced — the state has significant commercial beekeeping and invests in apiary disease management
Michigan State University's Extension Service has one of the strongest apiculture programs in the Midwest. MSU's Tollgate Farm in Novi runs urban agriculture programs; the MSU Diagnostic Services Lab provides disease testing; and the Washtenaw County MSU Extension office (734-222-3788) provides county-specific resources for Ann Arbor beekeepers. MSU's connection to Ann Arbor makes this resource uniquely accessible to U of M-area beekeepers.
City
Hive Limit
Permit
Setback
Ann Arbor
4 hives
Permit required
10 ft from property line
Detroit
4 hives
Permit required
25 ft setback
Grand Rapids
4 hives
Permit required
25 ft setback
Lansing
4 hives
Permit required
25 ft setback
East Lansing
4 hives
Permit required
10 ft setback
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ann Arbor averages -7°F on the coldest nights and regularly sees sustained periods below 10°F. Key Michigan overwintering practices: (1) Enter winter with a full double-deep of bees (at least 8 frames of bees in the lower box), (2) Provide 70–80 lbs of honey stores, (3) Install upper ventilation (a notch or screened inner cover) to prevent moisture condensation — condensation is the primary winter killer in Michigan, (4) Consider wrapping hives with tar paper or foam insulation. The Southeast Michigan Beekeepers Association (semba.net) runs excellent fall preparation workshops each September.
Very active — SEMBA (semba.net) serves the Ann Arbor/Detroit metro area and runs a comprehensive educational program including the Michigan Master Beekeeper program, monthly meetings, a beginning beekeeper short course, and regular hive inspections with mentors. U of M students and faculty are active members, giving SEMBA a research-connected character unusual for a local beekeeping association.
The Michigan season starts with red maple and willow (late March–April). Dandelion and fruit trees add to May production. Basswood (linden) in late June is the primary summer flow — basswood honey is prized for its distinctive minty flavor and Ann Arbor's urban tree canopy has significant basswood plantings. Goldenrod runs August–September. Colonies should be completely assembled for winter by October 1.