Beekeepers in Middlesex County must register colonies annually with MDAR under MGL c.128 s.31A. Local zoning may add hive setbacks of 10-25 feet from property lines.
All Massachusetts beekeepers must register their colonies annually by April 1 with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) apiary inspection program under MGL c.128 s.31A. Registration is free and includes inspection for American Foulbrood and other diseases. Beyond state registration, Middlesex County beekeeping rules are local. Cambridge allows hives on residential lots with 10-foot setback from property lines and a flyway barrier (fence or hedge 6 feet tall) if hives are within 25 feet of a neighboring property. Newton permits hives with similar setbacks. Suburban towns like Lexington, Concord, and Bedford generally allow up to 2-4 hives on residential lots 10,000+ sq ft with 25-foot setbacks. Arlington and Somerville allow rooftop and backyard hives with registration. Right-to-Farm communities shield beekeepers from nuisance claims. Water source must be provided on property to prevent bees from visiting neighbors' pools.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County has no operational county government - it was abolished July 11, 1997 under M.G.L. c. 34B - so there is no countywide noise ordinance. Massa...
Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County treats persistent barking as a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. Dog licensing required statewide (MGL c.140 §155).
Middlesex County, MA
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Middlesex County, MA
Middlesex County restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply. Overnight storage of heavy trucks prohibited.
Middlesex County, MA
Driveway rules are set by each Middlesex County city or town zoning bylaw. Cambridge, Somerville, Lowell, and Framingham regulate curb cuts, width, paving, a...
Middlesex County, MA
Winter parking bans are the dominant rule across Middlesex County. Most cities prohibit overnight on-street parking from November through April to allow snow...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle beekeeping.
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