Norfolk County does not regulate beekeeping. Beekeeping rules are set by each municipality. Massachusetts requires hive registration with the MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) under MGL c. 128 §34.
Norfolk County has no county-level beekeeping ordinance. Each municipality in the county may regulate beekeeping through zoning bylaws — setting limits on the number of hives, requiring setbacks from property lines, and specifying lot size minimums. Massachusetts law (MGL c. 128 §34) requires all beehives to be registered with the MDAR; state apiary inspectors conduct inspections to control disease. Many Norfolk County towns allow beekeeping in residential zones with modest setback requirements. The Massachusetts Beekeepers Association (massbee.org) provides guidance on local regulations.
No county enforcement. Municipal zoning fines for non-compliant hives: typically $50–$200 per violation. State: unregistered hives subject to MDAR enforcement.
Norfolk County, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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Bellingham, MA
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Bellingham, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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Norfolk County, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Norfolk County.
See how other cities in Norfolk County handle beekeeping.
See how Bellingham's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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