I'd go for the sunny location. It will get them warmer earlier, which should mean more flying = more honey. And under a tree is a risk for limbs crashing on hive during storms = less honey. Since the county regs allow the hive, there shouldn't be a serious problem with the hive being visible. I would orient the hive opening away from any pedestrian traffic so people aren't in the direct line of flight.

Put the hive in a sunny location. You donâÂÂt want people to see it. Don t even tell your neighbors you have a hive. Regulations donâÂÂt mean a thing.

Put the hive in a sunny location. You donâÂÂt want people to see it. Don t even tell your neighbors you have a hive. Regulations donâÂÂt mean a thing.

Hereabouts, one is required to obtain signatures from the neighbors prior to the municipality issuing a permit for a hive(s). Doing so is an opportunity to help people understand that honey bees are docile animals rather than "out to get them."

The entrance should face south or southeast, be in a sunny location or dappled sunlight if your climate is hot (eg Texas), be somewhere where the flight path is not directly into a high pedestrian area (unless flying overhead), and have plenty of water so they do not visit the neighbour's dog bowl (or similar). You can always screen the hive from view. Bees are not necessarily docile. You need to be able to access them easily to monitor their health and development. If you are worried about the neighbours, explain what you are doing and promise them honey. Comb honey is the best. If any of the neighbours have a serious allergy (extremely few have life-threatening reactions), you may be liable. Check on that, too. If they are, move your hive to the countryside. Enjoy.