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📍 City Guide — Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis Backyard Beekeeping Ordinance

Minneapolis permits managed beekeeping with an annual license. Here's Minneapolis's hive rules, the Minnesota state registration requirement, and what cold-climate beekeeping in the Twin Cities actually looks like.

Quick Summary
Hive limit: Up to 4 colonies  ·  City license: Annual, required  ·  State registration: Required (MN Dept of Agriculture)  ·  Setback: 25 ft from property line  ·  Code: Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 64.140

Minneapolis Beekeeping Framework

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 64.140 permits up to 4 managed honey bee colonies in residential zones with an annual license from the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control division. Minneapolis is the only major U.S. city that requires annual license renewal for both chickens and bees — maintaining an active registry of registered keepers throughout the city.

Minneapolis's harsh continental climate — winters regularly reaching -20°F — creates unique beekeeping challenges. Strong, well-populated colonies going into winter, adequate winter stores (80+ lbs of honey), and good ventilation management are critical for colony survival. The Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association (mnhba.com) is an outstanding resource for Twin Cities-specific winter management.

Key Rules

  • Up to 4 honey bee colonies per residential lot
  • An annual license from Minneapolis Animal Care and Control is required ($20/year)
  • 25-foot setback from all property lines — OR — 6-foot flyway fence
  • On-site water source required
  • Minnesota state registration required
  • No swarm removal exemption — active swarm management required

Minnesota State Registration

Minnesota requires registration of all managed honey bee colonies with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture:

  • Register at mda.state.mn.us → Bees and Insects → Apiary Registration
  • Annual fee: $10 for hobby beekeepers
  • Registered beekeepers receive annual apiary inspection available on request
  • MDA maintains active Varroa mite monitoring program — registered beekeepers get alerts

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper preparation. Key Minnesota overwintering practices: (1) enter winter with a full double-deep of bees and 80+ lbs of honey stores, (2) provide upper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup (condensation kills more Minnesota colonies than cold), (3) consider wrapping hives with insulation or black tar paper to absorb solar heat, (4) reduce the entrance but don't seal it — bees need to take cleansing flights on warm days. The Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association's winter preparation workshops (typically October) are highly recommended.
Yes — Minneapolis limits both chickens (3 hens) and bees (4 hives) and requires annual licenses for both. The bee license ($20/year) is the same process as the chicken license, through Minneapolis Animal Care and Control at 212 17th Ave N. Minneapolis is unusual in requiring annual renewal for both — most cities use one-time permits.
April–May is ideal. Package bees and nucleus colonies are typically available from Minnesota suppliers in late April or early May, after the last hard freeze risk. Starting in April gives a colony the full spring (dandelion, fruit tree bloom) and summer (basswood, clover, prairie wildflowers) foraging season to build up before winter. Don't start later than late June — a late-start colony may not build adequate winter stores.

Related Guides

CityMinneapolis Chicken RulesMinneapolis's chicken annual license model.NationalBeehive Ordinances NationallyHow Minneapolis compares.ToolHive Space CalculatorCheck Minneapolis setback compliance.

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Disclaimer: Ordinances change frequently. Always verify current rules with your local planning department before acquiring any animals.