All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in North Dakota

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

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - North Dakota Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through NDDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    North Dakota Department of Agriculture, Apiary Program

    State Registration Requirements

    North Dakota has some of the most comprehensive apiary laws in the United States due to its status as the nation's top honey-producing state. All beekeepers must obtain an apiary license from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and register each apiary location. North Dakota law establishes minimum distances between apiaries (typically 3 miles) to protect existing operations and prevent overcrowding of forage. The State Apiarist conducts inspections and investigates American foulbrood and other reportable diseases. Migratory beekeepers bringing colonies into North Dakota must obtain permits and certificates of inspection.

    Registration Fees

    Apiary license fees vary by colony count. Commercial beekeepers pay higher fees based on the number of colonies and apiary locations.

    Register with NDDA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local municipalities set specific limits.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on the number of hives per operation, but North Dakota's 3-mile apiary spacing law limits where new apiaries can be located relative to existing ones.

    Setback Requirements

    North Dakota's unique apiary spacing law requires new apiaries to be located at least 3 miles from existing registered apiaries in rural areas to protect forage. Local ordinances govern residential setbacks.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Fargo

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on residential lots with a city permit. Additional hives may be allowed on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings. Flyway barriers required for hives near lot lines.

    Notes

    Fargo permits urban beekeeping with a city permit and requires registration with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Given North Dakota's extreme winters, most Fargo beekeepers invest heavily in winter preparation or move colonies south for the winter.

    Bismarck

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on residential lots, subject to city ordinance.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines with flyway barriers when near neighbors.

    Notes

    Bismarck allows backyard beekeeping with city registration and compliance with state apiary license requirements. The city's small urban beekeeping community is supported by the North Dakota Beekeepers Association.

    Grand Forks

    Hive Limits

    Generally allowed in residential zones, subject to local ordinance and state licensing requirements.

    Setbacks

    Recommended 10-foot setback from property lines.

    Notes

    Grand Forks follows general state regulations. Beekeepers must hold a state apiary license and follow best management practices for the extreme northern climate.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    North Dakota Century Code Chapter 4.1-47

    N.D.C.C. 4.1-47

    Establishes the North Dakota apiary licensing system, requires registration of all apiary locations, grants inspection authority to NDDA, and creates the unique 3-mile spacing requirement between commercial apiaries to protect forage in the nation's top honey-producing state.

    North Dakota Administrative Code 7-13

    N.D.A.C. 7-13

    Details apiary licensing fees, inspection procedures, disease control protocols, and apiary location registration requirements enforced by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

    North Dakota Beekeeping Association

    North Dakota Beekeepers Association

    The North Dakota Beekeepers Association (NDBA) represents the beekeepers of the nation's top honey-producing state. NDBA includes both large commercial operations running tens of thousands of colonies and hobby beekeepers. The association hosts annual meetings, coordinates with North Dakota State University research, advocates for beekeeper interests, and works closely with NDDA on apiary regulation and the state's unique 3-mile apiary spacing law.

    Visit North Dakota Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    North Dakota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a through 4b, with some of the most extreme winter conditions in the continental United States. Temperatures regularly drop below minus 30F and can reach minus 40F or colder during polar vortex events. Most commercial North Dakota beekeepers do not attempt to overwinter colonies in the state - instead they migrate their operations to Texas, California, or the Gulf Coast from October through April, returning in May for the massive summer honey flow from canola, sunflower, alfalfa, and sweet clover. Hobbyists who attempt to overwinter in place need exceptional preparation: heavily insulated hives, wind protection, 100+ pounds of honey, young queens, disease-free colonies, and often indoor wintering sheds. The summer flow is one of the most productive in the nation, with individual colonies often producing 150-300+ pounds of honey in a good year.

    Tips for North Dakota Beekeepers

    • North Dakota is the nation's top honey-producing state, producing approximately 30-35 million pounds of honey annually - more than any other state. The vast acreage of canola, sunflower, alfalfa, sweet clover, and wildflowers supports massive commercial operations.
    • North Dakota's 3-mile apiary spacing law is unique in the US - before establishing a new rural apiary, you must check for existing registered apiaries within 3 miles. This protects forage and is strictly enforced.
    • Commercial-scale beekeeping dominates North Dakota - thousands of colonies from beekeepers across the country are brought to ND each summer for the abundant nectar flow, then trucked to California for almond pollination.
    • Winters are too severe for most colonies to overwinter in place - many ND beekeepers truck colonies to Texas, California, or Mississippi for winter and return in May.
    • Contact the North Dakota Department of Agriculture Apiary Program before establishing apiaries to verify compliance with the 3-mile spacing rule and obtain your apiary license.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

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

    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 North Dakota expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

    Cookie Notice

    We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. We use Google Analytics to analyze usage of our website.Read our Privacy Policyfor more information.