Trenton, NJ Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed yard location
- Interior side or rear only
- Minimum lot-line setback
- 10 feet
- Flyway barrier height
- 6 feet minimum
- Water supply
- Required on-site
- Aggressive colony rule
- Must be requeened promptly
- State law
- NJ Dept. of Agriculture rules control conflicts
Summary
Trenton permits residential beekeeping under City Code § 315-9.4.D, but hives are allowed only in interior side or rear yards, set back at least 10 feet from every lot line, and must sit behind a 6-foot flyway barrier unless the yard is already enclosed by a solid fence or wall. State Department of Agriculture beekeeping rules control any conflict.
In addition to the standards below, all apiaries and beekeeping activities must comply with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Beekeeping Regulations. In the case of conflict with the state regulations, the state regulations control. 1. Hives are allowed only in interior side or rear yards. 2. Hives must be set back ten feet from all lot lines. 3. When the apiary is located within a yard not bounded by a solid wall or solid fence, a flyway of at least six feet in height comprised of a lattice fence, dense hedge, or similar barrier must be established in front of the opening of the hive such that the bees fly upward and away from neighboring properties. The flyway must be located within three feet of the hive opening and extend at least two feet in width on either side of the hive opening. 4. Hives must have a fresh water supply located on property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4853025; v21 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
D, layering city zoning standards on top of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's beekeeping regulations, which control in the event of a conflict. Hives may only be placed in interior side or rear yards, never in a front yard, and every hive must be set back at least 10 feet from all lot lines. Where the yard holding the apiary is not enclosed by a solid wall or solid fence, the beekeeper must build a flyway at least 6 feet tall, made of a lattice fence, dense hedge, or similar barrier, positioned in front of the hive opening so bees are forced to fly upward and away from neighboring properties; that flyway must sit within 3 feet of the hive opening and extend at least 2 feet beyond each side of the opening.
Every hive needs an on-site fresh water supply. Rooftop apiaries within 20 feet of a neighboring building's doors or windows face an added condition: either the hive opening must face away from those doors and windows, or the same 6-foot flyway barrier must be installed. If a colony becomes unusually aggressive, stinging or attempting to sting without provocation, or shows an unusual tendency to swarm, the beekeeper must promptly requeen the colony to bring the hive's temperament back into compliance.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees without the required 10-foot lot-line setback, flyway barrier, or water supply under § 315-9.4.D is a zoning violation. Where Chapter 315 sets no specific penalty, the citywide general penalty in § 1-17 applies: a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days in the county jail, or up to 90 days of community service, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation under § 1-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep beehives in my front yard in Trenton?
How far do beehives need to be from my neighbor's property in Trenton?
Does Trenton require anything if bees become aggressive?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Trenton
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