Bergenfield, NJ Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Section 344-44R of the Borough Code, within Chapter 344's Article VII animal control regulations, authorizes keeping honey bees in Bergenfield subject to two conditions. Subsection R(1) sets a hard limit of five hives per property, so a resident cannot exceed that count regardless of lot size. Subsection R(2) requires that hives be situated so the bees' flight pattern causes the least disturbance to adjoining property owners, a siting standard rather than a fixed setback distance, which gives a beekeeper flexibility in placement as long as flight paths are steered away from neighboring yards, patios or windows.

Unlike the Borough's outright ban on farm animals in § 344-44A, which lists chickens, roosters, other fowl, hoofed animals and pigs, beekeeping is affirmatively permitted rather than prohibited, making it one of the few animal-keeping activities in Chapter 344 with a numeric allowance instead of a ban. The section does not require a permit application or fee, unlike the mobile food vendor or animal licensing provisions found elsewhere in Chapter 344, and does not set a minimum lot size, though the general nuisance provisions of § 344-44B (feeding animals so as to attract vermin) and the noise-disturbance provision of § 344-44P remain available if a beekeeping operation creates a nuisance or an audible disturbance across a property line.