Beekeeping: Quincy vs Wellesley
How do beekeeping rules compare between Quincy, MA and Wellesley, MA?
Wellesley has fewer restrictions than Quincy.
Quincy, MA
Norfolk County
Quincy does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance prohibiting backyard hives. Massachusetts beekeeping is regulated under MGL c. 128 §§ 29–38 (apiary inspection program). Urban beekeepers should contact the Quincy Board of Health and register hives with the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources.
View full Quincy rules →Wellesley, MA
Norfolk County
Norfolk County does not regulate beekeeping. Beekeeping rules are set by each municipality. Massachusetts requires hive registration with the MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) under MGL c. 128 §34.
View full Wellesley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Quincy | Wellesley |
|---|---|---|
| Local Ban? | None found | - |
| State Law | MGL c. 128 §§29–38 (apiary registration) | - |
| MDAR Registration | Required for all hives | - |
| Contact | Quincy Board of Health before keeping bees | - |
| County Rule? | - | None — municipal and state jurisdiction |
| State Registration | - | Required — MDAR under MGL c. 128 §34 |
| Local Rules | - | Each town sets hive limits, setbacks, lot minimums |
| Resource | - | MA Beekeepers Association — massbee.org |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Quincy FAQ
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Quincy?
Quincy does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance prohibiting backyard hives. Massachusetts beekeeping is regulated under MGL c. 128 §§ 29–38 (apiary inspection program). Urban beekeepers should contact the Quincy Board of Health and register hives with the MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources.
What are the beekeeping regulations in Quincy?
Local Ban?: None found. State Law: MGL c. 128 §§29–38 (apiary registration). MDAR Registration: Required for all hives. Contact: Quincy Board of Health before keeping bees.
Wellesley FAQ
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Norfolk County?
Norfolk County does not regulate beekeeping. Beekeeping rules are set by each municipality. Massachusetts requires hive registration with the MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) under MGL c. 128 §34.
What are the beekeeping regulations in Norfolk County?
County Rule?: None — municipal and state jurisdiction. State Registration: Required — MDAR under MGL c. 128 §34. Local Rules: Each town sets hive limits, setbacks, lot minimums. Resource: MA Beekeepers Association — massbee.org.
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