Beekeeping is allowed across Hampshire County. Massachusetts registers hives through the state, and MGL c.128 §32 caps the registration fee at five dollars. Towns may add setback rules, but no county permit exists.
Keeping bees is lawful throughout Hampshire County and treated as agriculture under state law. MGL c.128 §32 lets the state require registration of every bee colony and its location, but caps the registration fee at no more than five dollars per registrant, keeping legal beekeeping a token cost. The state apiary program, not a county, inspects for bee health. Town zoning bylaws may add hive-placement setbacks from lot lines in denser communities like Northampton, while rural towns such as Belchertown and Ware impose little. Larger apiaries on qualifying acreage gain the agricultural zoning protection of MGL c.40A §3.
Failing to register colonies with the state violates MGL c.128 §32; enforcement is by the state apiary inspector. A town can enforce zoning setbacks on hive placement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Hampshire County, MA
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See how Hampshire County's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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