Beekeeping is permitted in Worcester. Massachusetts requires beekeepers to register with the state Apiary Program. Worcester adopted an urban agriculture ordinance that addresses agricultural activities on residential property.
Beekeeping is permitted in Worcester, and the city adopted an urban agriculture ordinance that addresses various agricultural activities on residential and other properties. Massachusetts does not have a state law prohibiting beekeeping, and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources operates the Apiary Program requiring registration. Beekeepers must register their hives with the state program, which provides inspections for disease and pests. Local best practices include maintaining adequate setbacks from property lines, providing a water source to keep bees from neighboring properties, and using flight barriers (fences or hedges) to direct bee flight paths upward. Worcester's urban agriculture ordinance was developed with community input through organizations like the Regional Environmental Council.
Nuisance complaints may trigger review. Failure to register with state Apiary Program may result in enforcement.
Worcester, MA
Worcester enforces quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 7 AM on weekends under the city's Excessive and Unreasonable Noise ordinance. ...
Worcester, MA
Worcester regulates construction noise under its noise ordinance. Construction activities generating excessive noise are restricted during quiet hours. Permi...
Worcester, MA
Worcester addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance and animal control regulations. Dogs creating persistent noise that disturbs neighbors consti...
Worcester, MA
MGL c. 90, §22C — abandoned vehicles on public ways tagged after 72 hours, may be towed. Worcester Police and DPW enforce. City also has an 'Unregistered Veh...
Worcester, MA
Worcester regulates parking of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential areas. These vehicles should be stored on private property and are s...
Worcester, MA
Worcester requires vehicles to be parked on approved hard surfaces. Driveway construction or modification requires permits. Vehicles may not be parked on fro...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Worcester County.
See how other cities in Worcester County handle beekeeping.
See how Worcester's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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