Beekeeping is regulated at the town level in Rockland County. Most towns permit hives on residential lots over a certain size (typically 10,000 sq ft) with setback requirements from property lines (10 to 25 feet). State registration with NY Ag and Markets is required.
Beekeeping in Rockland is permitted at the town/village level in most zones. NY Agriculture and Markets Law Article 15 requires all beekeepers to register annually with the NYS Apiary Program (mandatory since December 23, 2021), reporting colony counts, county location, and intent to sell nucleus colonies; beekeepers moving bees within NY must notify the commissioner 10 days in advance unless the bees are certified disease-free. Diseased bees must be reported. Locally, Clarkstown Town Code §91 and §290 permit beekeeping on residential lots with hive setbacks typically 10-25 feet from property lines and a flyway barrier (6-foot fence or hedge) if the hive is within 25 feet of a neighboring property line. Ramapo permits hives on lots over 10,000 sq ft. Orangetown allows beekeeping with setback requirements. Most villages (Nyack, Piermont) permit 2-4 hives per lot. NY A&M's Pollinator Protection Plan promotes best management practices. Commercial apiaries require additional zoning review and typically operate in agricultural zones only.
Non-registered apiaries: NY A&M violation, fines up to $1,000 per ECL Article 71 / NY Ag & Markets enforcement. Local zoning violations (improper setbacks, too many hives): $100-$500 fines.
Rockland County, NY
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