Madison allows residential beekeeping under MGO 23.32. Hives must be registered and follow setback and hive-count rules. State apiary registration with DATCP under WI Stat 94.76 is also required.
Madison permits beekeeping in most zoning districts subject to MGO 23.32 standards. Typical requirements include: hive setback from property lines (usually 10 feet or a 6-foot flyway barrier), limited number of hives per lot size (commonly 2 hives on lots under 10,000 sq ft, more for larger lots), fresh water source on the property, and proper hive management to prevent swarming. Beekeepers must register with the city and pay a small annual fee; some neighborhood notification is required. State law WI Stat 94.76 requires registration of apiaries with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to support disease monitoring. Africanized bees and aggressive colonies must be requeened or removed. Madison's urban agriculture ordinance reflects the city's strong pollinator-friendly sustainability policy.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Madison, WI
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