All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Massachusetts

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Massachusetts Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through MDAR

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential limit.

    State Agency

    Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Apiary Program

    State Registration Requirements

    Massachusetts General Laws require all beekeepers to register their hives annually with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Registration is free and must be renewed each year by January 1. The State Apiary Inspector provides free inspections, disease diagnostics, and issues health certificates for interstate movement. Out-of-state beekeepers must obtain a permit before bringing bees into Massachusetts.

    Registration Fees

    Registration is free for Massachusetts beekeepers.

    Register with MDAR

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential limit. Local zoning and health ordinances may set limits in some municipalities.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit. Right-to-farm laws protect beekeeping as an agricultural activity.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback requirement. Municipal health and zoning codes may require setbacks, typically 10 to 20 feet from property lines with flyway barriers.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Boston

    Hive Limits

    Urban beekeeping is permitted through the Article 89 urban agriculture ordinance, subject to lot size and placement requirements.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be placed to minimize impact on neighbors, typically with flyway barriers and set back from property lines.

    Notes

    Boston's Article 89 (adopted 2013) legalized urban farming including beekeeping. Beekeepers must register with MDAR and may need to work with the Boston Public Health Commission for rooftop or dense urban placements.

    Worcester

    Hive Limits

    No specific citywide cap. Beekeeping allowed as accessory use in residential zones.

    Setbacks

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

    Notes

    Worcester follows state registration requirements and general nuisance standards. The local beekeeping community is active.

    Cambridge

    Hive Limits

    Permitted under urban agriculture policies. Rooftop and backyard hives allowed with reasonable setbacks.

    Setbacks

    Setbacks and flyway barriers required when near property lines or public walkways.

    Notes

    Cambridge supports urban beekeeping and has active hives on many institutional and residential rooftops. Register with MDAR and follow standard urban beekeeping best practices.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Massachusetts Apiary Law

    M.G.L. Ch. 128, Sections 31-36

    Requires annual registration of all hives, authorizes the State Apiary Inspector to inspect apiaries, and provides for the control and eradication of bee diseases.

    Right to Farm Law

    M.G.L. Ch. 40A, Section 3

    Protects agricultural activities including beekeeping from unreasonable local restrictions on farms of sufficient size, and limits nuisance claims against established agricultural operations.

    Massachusetts Beekeeping Association

    Massachusetts Beekeepers Association

    The Massachusetts Beekeepers Association (MassBee) is the statewide organization supporting beekeepers through education, advocacy, and coordination of local county clubs. MassBee hosts a spring and fall meeting each year and partners with MDAR on apiary inspections.

    Visit Massachusetts Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5b through 7a, with cold winters and humid summers. Colonies need 60-80 pounds of honey stores going into winter, with more in the western hills than on the coast. Wrap hives with tar paper or insulation in exposed locations, use upper ventilation to control condensation, and keep mouse guards on entrances. The main nectar flow runs from dandelion in April through clover and basswood in June and July, with a fall flow from goldenrod and aster. Nor'easters and winter thaws can stress colonies - check stores in late winter and be ready with emergency feeding.

    Tips for Massachusetts Beekeepers

    • Register annually with MDAR by January 1 - registration is free and supports pesticide notification.
    • Treat varroa mites in August for best winter survival outcomes.
    • Ensure colonies have 60 to 80 pounds of honey stores by October.
    • Join one of the many local county clubs affiliated with MassBee - most offer bee schools each winter.
    • Use moisture quilts or upper entrances to control winter condensation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 Massachusetts expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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