Beekeeping has been legal in NYC since 2010; Brooklyn beekeepers must register hives annually with the NYC Department of Health per NYC Health Code §161.01.
NYC legalized beekeeping in March 2010 through amendments to NYC Health Code §161.01, removing Apis mellifera (the common honey bee) from the list of prohibited animals. Brooklyn beekeepers must register each apiary annually with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and provide an updated water source, a flyway barrier if hives are near property lines, and acceptable hive management practices. Only Apis mellifera is permitted; other bee species remain banned. Beekeepers must maintain hives so they do not become a nuisance. NYCBeekeepers Association offers training. Rooftop and backyard hives are both allowed.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Kings County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Kings County, NY
NYC strictly regulates commercial vehicle parking. Commercial vehicles may park at meters for up to 3 hours and are banned from residential areas overnight (...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn pools must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 4 feet high per NYC Building Code and Health Code §165.57.
Kings County, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City under New York Penal Law §270.00. This includes sparklers longer than 10 inches, firecrackers, Roman cand...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn street trees are city property; trimming requires a free NYC Parks permit and must be performed by a licensed arborist under NYC Admin Code §18-129.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn property owners must maintain yards so grass and weeds do not exceed 10 inches or create rat harborage under NYC Admin Code §17-142 and §16-118.
Kings County, NY
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Brooklyn; NYC DEP offers free rain barrels through its giveaway program for non-potable outdoor use.
See how Kings County's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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