[header] How to get started beekeeping [title] Ensure that you have at least 1/10th of an acre land. [step] Consult the documents related to your property to find out the size of your yard. A typical city-sized lot is about one-tenth of an acre and can accommodate one bee colony. 
Make your determination of how many colonies to have based on the size of your yard. [substeps] Make sure the space has a clear flight path for the bees so that you don't interrupt their ability to thrive.