Hartford, CT Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential colony cap
- 4 colonies (up to 10)
- Setback from property line
- 10 feet minimum
- Setback from neighbor's building
- 25 feet minimum
- Flyaway barrier
- 6 ft, within 25 ft of line
- State registration
- Required annually by Oct. 1
Summary
Hartford allows backyard beekeeping but caps residential lots at 4 colonies (up to 10 with more land) and requires 10-foot setbacks from property lines, per § 3.3.3.B.
(1)Maximum Number of Colonies.(a)Any lot containing a residential use shall be limited to 4 colonies. One additional colony is permitted for every 1,000 square feet of lot area over 10,000 square feet, and an absolute maximum of 10 colonies. (3)Location. The colony shall be located in a rear or side yard in all N districts or on any lot with a residential use. No colony shall be located closer than 10 feet from any property line, or closer than 10 feet from a public sidewalk or 25 feet from a principal building on an abutting lot.
Full Breakdown
The zoning regulations permit honey beekeeping as a conditional Open Space use. Residential lots are capped at 4 colonies, with one additional colony allowed for every 1,000 square feet of lot area over 10,000 square feet, up to an absolute maximum of 10. In N districts, and on any lot with a residential use, colonies must sit in a rear or side yard, at least 10 feet from any property line or public sidewalk and 25 feet from a neighboring principal building. Colonies within 25 feet of a property line need a 6-foot flyaway barrier of wall, fence, or dense vegetation.
Violations & Fines
Colonies exceeding the lot's numeric cap, sited outside a rear or side yard, placed closer than 10 feet to a property line, or lacking a required flyaway barrier violate § 3.3.3.B and can be ordered corrected or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep in Hartford?
Do I need a state permit to keep bees in Hartford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hartford
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