All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Colorado

    Everything you need to know about legally keeping bees in Colorado - from state registration to city-specific ordinances.

    Last updated: April 28, 2026

    Key Facts - Colorado Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    No - through CDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential limit.

    State Agency

    Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), Division of Plant Industry

    State Registration Requirements

    The Colorado Bee and Bee Products Act was originally adopted in 1963 to inspect hives statewide for diseases. In the mid-1980s the program switched from state funding to self-funding via registration fees. Routine inspections were discontinued in 1987, and in 1990 the registration fees were eliminated and the program has been unfunded ever since. The Act is still on the books, but the state does not currently operate a registration system or routine inspections. CDA conducts apiary inspections only at a beekeeper's request, typically to meet export-certification requirements from another state. The Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA) is the practical resource for disease support and mentorship in the absence of state inspection.

    Registration Fees

    Not currently collected. The Colorado Bee and Bee Products Act inspection program was defunded in 1990 and has been unfunded since.

    Register with CDA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential limit. Local ordinances generally allow 2 to 4 hives on typical residential lots, with more permitted on larger parcels.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on agricultural or rural land.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback requirement. Local ordinances commonly require 5 to 25 feet from property lines and frequently require a 6-foot flyway barrier near lot lines.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Denver

    Hive Limits

    2 hives per zone lot, regardless of lot size. Larger or commercial operations are not permitted under the standard residential zoning rules.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be located in the rear 1/3 of the zone lot, with at least a 5-foot setback from the side and rear lot lines. A 6-foot barrier (solid or vegetative) is required so that bees must surmount it before leaving the property.

    Notes

    Denver allows residential beekeeping under Article 11 of the Denver Code of Ordinances. Hives must be in the rear 1/3 of the zone lot only - not in front or side yards. No outdoor storage of unused hive equipment is allowed. A fresh water source must be maintained. Re-queening with gentle stock is recommended.

    Boulder

    Hive Limits

    Boulder permits residential beekeeping primarily through best-management standards rather than a fixed numerical hive cap. Beekeepers should keep hive counts reasonable for the property size and follow the city's IPM and disease-management requirements. Check the Boulder Municipal Code (library.municode.com/co/boulder) for the current text.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be located in the rear yard. Beekeepers are expected to follow general nuisance and good-neighbor principles - typically a 5-foot setback from property lines and a 6-foot flyway barrier when hives are near neighboring dwellings, though these are not always specified by ordinance.

    Notes

    Boulder requires beekeepers to use best practices including an Integrated Pest Management plan, ability to identify honey bee diseases, and hives with removable combs. The city has active pollinator-pathway and pollinator-garden programs and partners with CU Boulder on native pollinator habitat. Bears are a real concern in foothill neighborhoods - electric fencing is strongly recommended.

    Colorado Springs

    Hive Limits

    Tiered by lot size: up to 2 hives on residential lots under 10,000 sq ft; up to 4 hives on lots from 10,000 sq ft to 1 acre; 5 hives up to 2 acres; 6 hives over 2 to 3 acres; 7 hives over 3 to 4 acres.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and not located in front yards. A flyway barrier is required when hives are within 15 feet of a property line.

    Notes

    Colorado Springs City Code Chapter 7, Article 3, Section 105 allows residential beekeeping in most single-family zones with the lot-size tiered limits above. The high elevation and dry climate require careful attention to water sources and winter feeding.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Colorado Bee and Bee Products Act

    C.R.S. Title 35, Article 25

    Adopted in 1963 to inspect hives for diseases statewide. Routine inspections were discontinued in 1987, and in 1990 the registration fees were eliminated and the inspection program has been unfunded ever since. The Act remains on the books but is not actively enforced. CDA conducts inspections only at a beekeeper's request, typically for out-of-state export certification.

    Pollinator Pesticide Regulations (HB20-1180, SB23-266)

    Colo. Rev. Stat. Title 35 + 2020/2023 session laws

    HB20-1180 (2020) directs the commissioner of agriculture to classify neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides as restricted-use, limiting who can apply them. SB23-266 (2023) restricts retail sale of neonicotinoid pesticides to licensed retailers, taking effect July 1, 2023. SB22-131 (2022) also authorizes local governments to regulate pesticide use, removing prior state preemption. These pollinator-protection statutes are the substantive Colorado laws relevant to honey bee health.

    Colorado Beekeeping Association

    Colorado State Beekeepers Association

    The Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA) represents hobbyist, sideliner, and commercial beekeepers across Colorado. CSBA hosts an annual conference, publishes educational materials, supports local clubs, and advocates for beekeeper-friendly state policies including pollinator habitat protection.

    Visit Colorado State Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Colorado spans USDA hardiness zones 3a in the high mountains to 7a on the southeastern plains, but most populated areas fall between zones 4 and 6. Winters are cold, dry, and windy, making winter preparation critical. Ensure colonies enter fall with at least 60-80 pounds of honey stores, strong populations, and adequate ventilation to prevent condensation. Wind breaks are essential. The dry air actually helps reduce some pest pressure compared to humid states, but Chinook winds can cause dramatic temperature swings that pull bees out of the cluster on warm winter days. Spring buildup is slow due to late frosts, so resist the urge to inspect too early. Summer drought is increasingly common - monitor nectar availability and be prepared to feed.

    Tips for Colorado Beekeepers

    • Colorado's high elevation and short summers mean colonies have a compressed window to build up and store winter honey - feed early spring packages aggressively.
    • Winter wrapping or insulation is essential along the Front Range and in mountain communities. Many Colorado beekeepers use foam or quilted hive wraps from October through April.
    • Bears are a significant threat in foothill and mountain areas. Electric fencing is strongly recommended and may be required by some HOAs and land managers.
    • Colorado's dry climate can stress colonies. Provide a reliable water source within 50 feet of hives, especially during summer drought.
    • The Colorado Apiary Act is still on the books but the state inspection program was defunded in the early 1990s and is not actively enforced. Connect with CSBA and local clubs for disease support and mentorship instead.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

    Estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential honey revenue for your beekeeping operation in Colorado.

    Calculate Costs

    Do You Need a License to Keep Bees?

    Most states require hive registration, not a license. Our guide explains the difference and what Colorado expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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