Boston allows up to 2 beehives per lot for personal use under Article 89, with setback and height restrictions. All hives must be registered with the MA Department of Agricultural Resources.
Under Boston Zoning Code Article 89, a maximum of 2 honey bee hives are allowed on any residential lot or rooftop for personal consumption. Urban farms may have 3 hives. Hives are limited to 5 feet in height and 20 feet in length. Any hive within 20 feet of the principal building on an abutting lot requires written permission from the neighboring property owner. All hives must be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources under MGL c. 128 Sections 32-36 for apiary inspection purposes. Unlike Florida, Massachusetts does not preempt local beekeeping regulation.
Exceeding hive limits or failing to maintain required setbacks can result in code enforcement. Unregistered hives violate state apiary inspection requirements. Neighbor complaints may trigger inspection.
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle beekeeping.
See how Boston's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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