Plymouth County, MA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- State; fee capped at $5
- County Permit
- None required
- Status
- Agriculture in Massachusetts
- Town Rules
- May set hive setbacks
Summary
Beekeeping is allowed across Plymouth 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.
for this public purpose may require by regulation the registration of all bee colonies kept within the commonwealth and their location by the owners or caretakers thereof, the fee for which shall be determined by the secretary of administration and finance, which in no case shall exceed five dollars per registrant
Full Breakdown
Keeping bees is lawful throughout Plymouth 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 the county, inspects for bee health. Town zoning bylaws may add hive-placement setbacks from lot lines in denser communities like Brockton, while rural towns impose little. Larger apiaries on qualifying acreage gain the agricultural zoning protection of MGL c.40A §3.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees?
How much does registration cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
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