Beekeeping in Monroe County is governed by New York State Agriculture & Markets Law and individual municipal zoning codes. All NY beekeepers must register their apiaries annually with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets at no cost.
New York Agriculture & Markets Law Article 15 (effective December 23, 2021) requires all beekeepers in New York State to register their apiaries annually with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets. Registration is free and available online at beekeepers.agriculture.ny.gov/registration. Beekeepers must report the number of colonies, county location, and contact information each year. Monroe County does not have a specific countywide beekeeping ordinance beyond state law. Local municipal rules vary: some towns may permit backyard beekeeping in residential zones subject to setback, hive number, and management requirements. The Rochester Beekeepers Association is a local resource for guidance on urban beekeeping practices in the county. Beekeepers transporting bees into New York must have a certificate of freedom from disease.
Failure to register with NYS Ag & Markets may trigger inspection and enforcement action. Disease outbreaks must be reported immediately.
Gates, NY
The Town of Gates regulates noise through its Code (eCode360 ID GA0050) and refers many quiet-hours questions to New York State Penal Law Section 240.20 (dis...
Monroe County, NY
City of Rochester prohibits on-street parking 2 AM to 6 AM year-round under Municipal Code §111-5 (alternate side not in effect; blanket overnight ban). Resi...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County towns specify approved fence materials in zoning codes. Wood, vinyl, chain-link, and wrought iron standard. Barbed wire banned in residential z...
Monroe County, NY
NY State Uniform Code (Residential Code §R404) requires engineered design for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing. Monroe County muni...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County does not have a separate countywide smoke-alarm ordinance; smoke-alarm requirements come from the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Bu...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County is not designated a high wildfire hazard area. No defensible space requirements. NY DEC Part 215 brush burn ban (March 16 – May 14) is the prim...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Monroe County.
See how other cities in Monroe County handle beekeeping.
See how Gates's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.