Backyard beekeeping is legal for registered hobbyists. Hives must sit at least 10 ft from property lines or behind a 6-ft flyway barrier, with GDA registration under OCGA §43-52.
Atlanta Code and state law under OCGA Title 2, Chapter 14 and OCGA §43-52 support hobby and commercial beekeeping. Beekeepers should maintain hives at least 10 feet from property lines or install a 6-foot flyway barrier to push bee flight paths upward. Access to a water source is required to prevent bees from harassing neighboring pools and pet bowls. Registration with the Georgia Department of Agriculture is required and inspectors may check for diseases such as American foulbrood. Aggressive colonies must be requeened. The Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association offers training and helps residents comply with setbacks and swarm removal.
Non-compliant hives may be abated as a nuisance under Atlanta Code. Failure to register with GDA is a state-level infraction.
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