Stratford, CT Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- Annually with the office of the State Entomologist
- Lots of 11,000 square feet minimum
- No more than two colonies
- Over 11,000 square feet, under one acre
- No more than six colonies
- Property line setback
- 10 feet or the zone setback, whichever is greater
- Distance from neighbor dwelling
- 25 feet from any dwelling on abutting properties
- Exception
- Undeveloped adjoining land and hives over 200 feet from a property line
Summary
In the Town of Stratford, Connecticut, Section 4.4.4.E of the Zoning Regulations requires annual registration of every beekeeping operation with the State Entomologist and caps colonies at two on lots of a minimum of 11,000 square feet and six on lots over 11,000 square feet and under one acre.
E. Beekeeping. 1) All beekeeping operations shall be registered annually with the office of the State Entomologist and are subject to inspection at reasonable times. 2) Beekeeping on lots of a minimum of 11,000 square feet shall be limited to no more than two colonies. 3) Beekeeping on lots greater than 11,000 square feet and less than one acre shall be limited to no more than six colonies. 4) Beehives shall be a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines or conform to the setback requirements of the underlying zone, whichever is greater and shall be a minimum of 25 feet from any dwelling on abutting properties. 5) Limitations for beekeeping shall not be imposed of lots in which: a) The adjoining property is undeveloped land; and b) If the hive(s) are situated more than 200 feet from a property line.
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping in the Town of Stratford is regulated by Section 4.4.4.E of the Zoning Regulations, inside the agricultural activities section. The first requirement is registration: all beekeeping operations shall be registered annually with the office of the State Entomologist and are subject to inspection at reasonable times.
Colony limits depend on lot size. Beekeeping on lots of a minimum of 11,000 square feet is limited to no more than two colonies. Beekeeping on lots greater than 11,000 square feet and less than one acre is limited to no more than six colonies. The subsection as printed gives no colony figure for lots under 11,000 square feet or for lots of one acre or more, so a keeper on either should confirm the position with the Zoning Enforcement Officer before installing a hive.
Placement is the second limit. Beehives must sit a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines or conform to the setback requirements of the underlying zone, whichever is greater, and a minimum of 25 feet from any dwelling on abutting properties.
There is an exception. Section 4.4.4.E.5 says limitations for beekeeping shall not be imposed on lots where the adjoining property is undeveloped land and the hives are situated more than 200 feet from a property line. Both conditions are printed with an and between them, so a hive 200 feet or closer to the line, or a neighbor with a developed lot, keeps the limits in force.
Violations & Fines
Section 7.4 has the Planning and Zoning Administrator inspect and order violations remedied in writing. Owners, tenants, and others who maintain the premises are fined for each day the violation continues, to the full extent allowed under state law. An order to discontinue that goes unobeyed for 10 days after service brings a civil penalty, payable to the Town of Stratford.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep in Stratford?
Do I have to register my bees in Stratford?
How far must a Stratford beehive be from the property line?
Are there exceptions to Stratford's colony limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stratford
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