All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Utah

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Utah Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through UDAF

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

    State Registration Requirements

    Utah, the Beehive State, requires all beekeepers to register their colonies annually with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. The beehive is literally on the Utah state flag and state seal, reflecting the state's deep cultural and agricultural ties to beekeeping. UDAF's apiary program conducts inspections, manages disease, and coordinates with county bee inspectors.

    Registration Fees

    Registration fees are modest and set annually by UDAF. Hobbyist fees are typically under $20, with commercial fees based on colony count.

    Register with UDAF

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local ordinances typically allow 2 to 6 hives on standard residential lots.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural land.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback. Local ordinances typically require 10 to 25 feet from property lines with flyway barriers close to neighbors.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Salt Lake City

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives allowed on residential lots under 0.25 acres, with additional hives allowed on larger parcels up to a maximum set by lot size.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 25 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent property or behind a 6-foot flyway barrier that redirects bee flight above head height.

    Notes

    Salt Lake City encourages urban beekeeping and pollinator-friendly landscaping. Beekeepers must provide a water source and follow UDAF registration requirements. Rooftop hives are allowed and common downtown.

    West Valley City

    Hive Limits

    Generally 2 hives per residential lot, with more allowed on larger parcels subject to setbacks.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and behind a 6-foot solid fence or flyway barrier when within 25 feet of a neighboring dwelling.

    Notes

    West Valley City follows standard Salt Lake County practices. A permanent water source is required, and hives should be placed in rear yards out of view of the street.

    Provo

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on lots under 0.5 acres, with a sliding scale for larger lots.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines, placed in rear yards, and screened by a 6-foot barrier or vegetation near neighboring homes.

    Notes

    Provo supports backyard beekeeping and urban agriculture. Beekeepers must register with UDAF and are encouraged to join the Utah County Beekeepers Association for mentorship.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Utah Bee Inspection Act

    Utah Code Title 4, Chapter 11

    Requires registration of all beekeepers and colonies with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, authorizes state and county bee inspectors, and provides for disease management, quarantine, and the control of abandoned or diseased apiaries.

    Utah State Symbol - The Beehive

    Utah Code 63G-1-601

    The beehive is the official state emblem of Utah and appears on the state flag, seal, and highway signs. The Beehive State designation reflects the pioneer-era values of industry and cooperation and underlies Utah's strong cultural support for beekeeping.

    Utah Beekeeping Association

    Utah Beekeepers Association

    The Utah Beekeepers Association is the statewide organization for hobbyist and commercial beekeepers in the Beehive State. UBA hosts an annual conference, supports county-level clubs along the Wasatch Front, runs beginner classes, and advocates for beekeeper-friendly policy at the state and local level.

    Visit Utah Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Utah's climate varies from high desert in the west to alpine in the Wasatch and Uintas. Most beekeepers are along the Wasatch Front from Ogden through Salt Lake City to Provo, where winters are cold and snowy and summers are hot and dry. Successful overwintering requires 60-80 pounds of stores, wind protection, and insulation or wraps from November through March. Varroa is the top health concern. The spring flow from fruit trees, dandelions, and black locust in April to June is the biggest of the year in most of Utah, followed by a summer dearth and a fall flow from rabbitbrush and aster at higher elevations. Southern Utah beekeepers around St. George face desert conditions similar to Las Vegas and need to manage for heat.

    Tips for Utah Beekeepers

    • Register annually with UDAF - it is required under the Utah Bee Inspection Act and connects you with county inspectors who can help with disease issues.
    • Wasatch Front beekeepers should finish varroa treatment by mid-September and ensure 60-80 pounds of honey stores before winter.
    • Utah's spring bloom along the Wasatch is spectacular - fruit trees, dandelions, and black locust can produce a strong early flow.
    • Summer dearth is real in much of Utah. Monitor stores from mid-July through the fall rabbitbrush and aster flow and feed if needed.
    • Embrace the Beehive State culture - Utah has active local clubs, a strong association, and broad public goodwill toward beekeepers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Utah 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.