All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Connecticut

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Connecticut Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through CT DoAg

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential limit.

    State Agency

    Connecticut Department of Agriculture, State Apiary Inspection Program

    State Registration Requirements

    Connecticut law requires all beekeepers to register their apiaries annually with the State Apiary Inspector at the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Registration is free and must be renewed each year. The State Apiarist provides free inspections, disease diagnostics, and issues health certificates for interstate shipment. Out-of-state beekeepers must obtain a permit and provide an inspection certificate before bringing colonies into Connecticut.

    Registration Fees

    Registration is free for Connecticut beekeepers.

    Register with CT DoAg

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential limit. Local zoning may set limits in some towns.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural properties.

    Setback Requirements

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

    City-Specific Regulations

    Hartford

    Hive Limits

    No specific citywide cap. Beekeeping permitted in residential zones.

    Setbacks

    Hives should be set back at least 10 feet from property lines with flyway barriers near neighbors.

    Notes

    Hartford follows state registration and general nuisance standards. Beekeepers should maintain a water source and notify immediate neighbors.

    New Haven

    Hive Limits

    Not capped by city ordinance. Urban beekeeping is supported.

    Setbacks

    Hives should be placed with flyway barriers and reasonable setbacks from property lines.

    Notes

    New Haven has an active urban beekeeping community with hives on community gardens and university properties. Register with CT DoAg.

    Bridgeport

    Hive Limits

    No specific limit. Beekeeping allowed as accessory use.

    Setbacks

    Reasonable setbacks and flyway barriers required when near neighboring dwellings.

    Notes

    Bridgeport defers to state law. Beekeepers should register and follow best management practices.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Connecticut Apiary Law

    Conn. Gen. Stat. Ch. 427, Sections 22-89 to 22-105

    Requires registration of all apiaries, authorizes the State Apiary Inspector to inspect and quarantine diseased colonies, and establishes rules for importing bees into Connecticut.

    Pollinator Protection Act

    Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 22a-66z

    Restricts the retail sale of neonicotinoid pesticides to licensed applicators and directs the state to promote pollinator habitat and protection.

    Connecticut Beekeeping Association

    Connecticut Beekeepers Association

    The Connecticut Beekeepers Association (CBA) supports beekeepers across the state with education, mentorship, advocacy, and coordination of local county clubs. CBA hosts spring and fall meetings and partners with the State Apiary Inspector on disease management.

    Visit Connecticut Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Connecticut sits in USDA zones 5b through 7a, with cold winters and warm humid summers. Colonies need 60-80 pounds of honey going into winter, with coastal areas on the milder end. Wrap hives in exposed locations, use upper ventilation to manage condensation, and install mouse guards by October. The nectar flow runs from dandelion in April through clover and basswood in June, followed by a fall flow from goldenrod and aster. Monitor for spring starvation in March, and be ready to feed fondant or sugar bricks if stores run low during late winter thaws.

    Tips for Connecticut Beekeepers

    • Register annually with the CT Department of Agriculture - registration is free.
    • Treat varroa mites in August for best winter survival.
    • Ensure colonies enter winter with 60 to 80 pounds of honey stores.
    • Join a local county club affiliated with CBA for mentorship and bee school.
    • Provide upper ventilation and mouse guards for Connecticut's cold, damp winters.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Connecticut expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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