New York, NY Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Before 2010, honey bees were on the NYC prohibited animals list under Health Code 161.01. The code was amended in March 2010 to remove Apis mellifera from the prohibited list and create a beekeeper registration system. Manhattan beekeepers must register each hive annually with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, providing the address, number of colonies, and contact information. The code requires beekeepers to maintain colonies in movable frame hives with adequate space, provide a convenient source of water so bees do not congregate at neighbor pools or faucets, replace queens to manage swarming, and site hives away from regular human activity. Rooftop beekeeping is extremely common in Manhattan on buildings in the East Village, Upper West Side, Midtown, and SoHo, and is supported by the NYC Beekeepers Association. Hives are not allowed within co-op or condo buildings without board permission, and building code 27 requires structural review for heavy rooftop loads. Violations of Health Code 161.01 carry 200 dollar to 2,000 dollar fines.