Akron, Ohio Beekeeping Ordinance 2026-PASSED

The Akron Environmental Justice Coalition* and LEAD for Pollinators have been continuing the work started by the Summit Food Coalition to update the Akron ordinances concerning beekeeping, chickens, and urban farming. Begun before the pandemic working with previous City councilmembers, finally under ward 1 Councilperson Fran Wilson an updated beekeeping ordinance has been proposed and will be voted on by Akron City Council Monday, July 20, 2026.

You can find the revised ordinance (and review all 14 pages)  HERE
You can read LEAD for Pollinators support letter HERE, with Ohio Beekeeping facts

You can sign onto the LEAD for Pollinators Support letter HERE   

Due to the restrictions upon public comment at City Council meetings we are encouraging beekeepers, pollinator and urban farming allies to email your comments in support of this reasonable and beekeeping management focused update of the City of Akron Beekeeping ordinance to Akron City Council members.

If you are an Akron resident, please email your ward councilperson and the three At Large Council members your support of this ordinance.

Copy and paste the applicable email addresses below into your own email system, and send your public comment directly.
Ward 1 Fran Wilson  ward1@akronohio.gov 
Ward 2 Phil Lombardo ward2@akronohio.gov 
Ward 3 Margo Sommerville ward3@akronohio.gov 
Ward 4 Jan Davis ward4@akronohio.gov 
Ward 5 Johnnie Hannah ward5@akronohio.gov
Ward 6 Brad McKitrick ward6@akronohio.gov
Ward 7 Donnie Kammer ward7@akronohio.gov
Ward 8 Bruce Bolden ward8@akronohio.gov
Ward 9 Tina Boyes ward9@akronohio.gov
Ward 10 Sharon Connor ward10@akronohio.gov
At Large 2 Linda Omobien atlarge2@akronohio.gov
At Large 1 Mark Greer atlarge1@akronohio.gov
At Large 3 Eric D. Garrett, Sr. atlarge3@akronohio.gov

 

Akron Environmental Justice Coalition Beekeeping committee:

Ohio Farm Bureau
Big Love Network
Akron Environmental Justice Coalition
LEAD for Pollinators
Summit County Beekeepers Association

Read more about this proposed updated ordinance in local media HERE

 

Please note: a press conference was planned for Friday, July 17 at the Akron Honey Microfarm.  Due to the drifting wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota, and the high temperatures, the press conference for July 17th has been CANCELLED.