All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Oregon

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Oregon Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through ODA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Apiary Services

    State Registration Requirements

    Oregon law (ORS 602) requires beekeepers maintaining 5 or more colonies to register annually with the Oregon Department of Agriculture by June 1. Registration includes apiary locations and colony counts and supports the state's pollinator health program. ODA inspectors monitor for honey bee diseases and pests, and the department coordinates with OSU Extension on the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program.

    Registration Fees

    Beekeepers with 5 or more colonies must register annually. Fees are tiered: approximately $10 for 5-25 colonies, scaling up for larger operations. Beekeepers with fewer than 5 colonies are exempt from registration but encouraged to participate.

    Register with ODA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local ordinances commonly allow 2 to 4 hives on standard residential lots.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural land.

    Setback Requirements

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

    City-Specific Regulations

    Portland

    Hive Limits

    Up to 3 hives per residential lot under Portland's apiary permit program; additional hives allowed on larger parcels with approval.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines or screened by a 6-foot solid fence or dense vegetation. Hives should not be in the front yard.

    Notes

    Portland requires beekeepers to obtain an apiary permit through the city (Title 13 Animal Code). Permits are inexpensive and require neighbor notification. Portland has one of the most active urban beekeeping communities in the U.S. and is a Bee City USA affiliate.

    Eugene

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on standard residential lots, with more permitted on lots over 10,000 sq ft.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines, with a 6-foot flyway barrier required when hives are within 25 feet of a neighboring dwelling.

    Notes

    Eugene allows residential beekeeping in most single-family zones and is a Bee City USA affiliate. The Lane County Beekeepers Association offers strong local support and mentorship.

    Salem

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on standard residential lots, with additional hives permitted on larger parcels.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines, and a flyway barrier is required when hives are within 25 feet of a neighbor's dwelling.

    Notes

    Salem permits residential beekeeping under its zoning code. The Willamette Valley's mild climate and abundant forage (including blackberry, vine maple, and clover) make it one of the best beekeeping regions in the Pacific Northwest.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Oregon Apiary Law

    ORS 602

    Establishes the legal framework for apiary registration, inspection, and disease control in Oregon. Requires beekeepers with 5 or more colonies to register annually with ODA and grants the department authority to inspect apiaries.

    Oregon Pollinator Health Plan

    ODA Pollinator Health Task Force

    State plan supporting pollinator habitat, education, and pesticide stewardship. Coordinates with OSU Extension and the Oregon State Beekeepers Association on best management practices.

    Oregon Beekeeping Association

    Oregon State Beekeepers Association

    The Oregon State Beekeepers Association (OSBA) is a statewide organization supporting beekeepers through education, advocacy, an annual conference, and a network of local chapters. OSBA partners with OSU Extension on the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program, one of the leading beekeeper certification programs in the country.

    Visit Oregon State Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Oregon's climate varies dramatically from the wet, mild west side to the dry, cold high desert east of the Cascades. In the Willamette Valley and along the coast, winters are mild but very wet - moisture management is the top priority. Use upper entrances, moisture quilts, or insulating boxes, and tilt hives forward. Spring comes early but is often cool and damp, slowing brood buildup. Eastern Oregon has cold winters more like the northern Rockies, requiring wind breaks and insulation. Across the state, complete varroa treatments by mid-September and ensure 60-80 pounds of honey stores for winter. Summer drought is increasingly common in western Oregon as well, so monitor water and forage.

    Tips for Oregon Beekeepers

    • The Willamette Valley offers abundant spring forage from blackberry, vine maple, and clover - colonies can build up rapidly, so watch for swarming in May.
    • Winter moisture is the biggest threat west of the Cascades. Use upper ventilation, moisture quilts, and tilt hives forward to shed condensation.
    • Consider enrolling in the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program through OSU Extension - it is one of the most respected beekeeper education programs in the U.S.
    • If you keep 5 or more colonies, register with ODA by June 1. Even smaller-scale beekeepers are encouraged to register voluntarily.
    • Eastern Oregon's high desert is colder and drier - winter prep there resembles Idaho or Montana more than the wet western valleys.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Oregon expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

    Cookie Notice

    We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. We use Google Analytics to analyze usage of our website.Read our Privacy Policyfor more information.