Colorado Beekeeping Law: Statewide Animal Ordinances Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: C.R.S. 35-25-101
Registration: Required statewide
Regulator: CO Dept. of Agriculture
Disease Focus: American foulbrood

Source: C.R.S. Title 35 Article 25 - Colorado Bee Act

Full Breakdown

The Colorado Bee Inspection Act (C.R.S. 35-25-101 et seq.) requires beekeepers to register colonies with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and authorizes state inspectors to examine apiaries for diseases like American foulbrood. The Department issues quarantine and treatment orders. Local zoning still controls hive placement and density in residential areas. Hive movement across county lines may require inspection certificates. Registration fees and renewal cycles are set by departmental rule under 8 CCR 1202-19.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to register, refusal of inspection, or moving infected colonies results in fines, quarantine orders, and possible colony destruction at owner expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my beehives in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado law requires all apiaries to be registered with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, regardless of colony size or location, to enable disease inspection and tracking.

Can cities ban beekeeping despite state registration?

State registration does not preempt local zoning. Municipalities may regulate hive placement, setbacks, and density in residential areas, though outright bans are rare.

Colorado Bee Inspection and Apiary Registration Statute

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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