Beekeeping in Broome County is regulated by NY Agriculture and Markets Law Article 15 and overseen by the NYS Apiculturist. Annual registration with the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets is required for all apiaries. Broome County imposes no additional rules, and most towns including Binghamton, Vestal, and Chenango permit hives on residential lots.
NY Ag and Markets Law Article 15 requires all beekeepers to register annually with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (free, online). Registrants report colony counts, county locations, and intent to sell nucleus colonies. Moving bees within NY requires written notice to the commissioner 10 days in advance. Broome County has no county-level beekeeping ordinance. Binghamton allows hives as an accessory use in residential zones under Ch. 410 zoning, typically with setbacks of 10-25 ft from property lines. Town of Vestal, Chenango, and Union generally permit beekeeping as a right-to-farm activity. HOAs may still restrict hives.
Failure to register with NY Ag and Markets can result in civil penalties. Local zoning setback violations typically $50-$250.
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See how Broome County's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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