Question

[ratman]

Hello I am new to beekeeping and I have a question. How much of an area do you need to have a hive? I live in a sub divison in Woodstock is it possable to have a hive so close to neighbors?   thanks for any info

[BeeMaster2]

I have had as many as 17 hives on a half acre subdivision lot. The general rule is 3 hives on a quarter acre lot. Here in FL the rule is 3 per 1/4 acre except during swarm season and then it doubles to 6. It is also recommended to have a 6' barrier if you are less than 15 feet from a fence line to push the bees up before they cross into your neighbors yard and to provide a water source to keep your bees out of your neighbor's pool.
My father has a 1/4 acre lot and he kept 5 hives on his roof for years. Most of his neighbors did not know he had them.
Jim
Add your location to your profile to help us provide better answers to your questions in the future.

[Michael Bush]

You need at least 16 1/4" by 19 7/8".  :)

Seriously the bees will forage the 8,000 acres around you.  If you put the hive facing the wall of your house the guard bees will not see people walking by and the field bees tend to go up.  A 6' fence is nice, but probably not necessary unless you have it closer to the property line and/or facing the property line.

I've had bees in town most of the last 41 years with no issues.

[OldMech]

You need at least 16 1/4" by 19 7/8".  :)

Seriously the bees will forage the 8,000 acres around you.  If you put the hive facing the wall of your house the guard bees will not see people walking by and the field bees tend to go up.  A 6' fence is nice, but probably not necessary unless you have it closer to the property line and/or facing the property line.

I've had bees in town most of the last 41 years with no issues.

  heheh, that was my exact thought when I read the title! Well said!

  I know folks that keep their hives on their garage roof because they dont have enough yard.