Paterson, NJ Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback from dwellings
- 100 feet minimum
- Setback from public property
- 100 feet minimum
- Exception
- beekeeper's own residence
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation
- Adopted
- Dec. 18, 1979
Summary
Paterson bans beehives within 100 feet of public buildings, streets, or parks, and within 100 feet of any neighboring dwelling other than the beekeeper's own home.
No person shall keep or maintain any bees or beehives in the City within 100 feet of any public building, street, roadway or the property line of any public park or outdoor recreation area or keep or maintain any bees or beehives within 100 feet of any dwelling house or place of residence other than that of the owner or keeper of such bees.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 121-45, part of the 1979 Bees and Beehives article, keeps hives at least 100 feet from any public building, street, roadway, or the property line of a public park or outdoor recreation area, and at least 100 feet from any dwelling house or residence other than that of the bee owner. The rule applies citywide with no separate residential-zone exception. There is no permit, registration, or license step in this article: enforcement runs directly through the penalty clause at § 121-46.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or up to 90 days of community service; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep beehives in my Paterson backyard?
Is a beekeeping permit required in Paterson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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