Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Bee and Bee Products Act: No Mandatory Registration

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: C.R.S. 35-25-101 et seq.
State registration: None mandatory
Regulator: CO Dept. of Agriculture
Local permits: May apply in some cities

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: C.R.S. Title 35 Article 25 - Colorado Bee Act

Summary

Colorado's Bee and Bee Products Act (C.R.S. 35-25-101) authorizes state apiary inspection but imposes no mandatory statewide registration; the program has been unfunded since 1990. Hive placement is governed mainly by local zoning.

35-25-106. Examination of apiaries. (1) The commissioner, when he has reason to suspect disease in any apiary, may examine all reported or suspected apiaries. If any contagious disease is present, he may examine all apiaries in the same locality and ascertain whether or not any contagious disease exists in the apiaries. If satisfied of the existence of any such contagious disease, the commissioner may burn, sterilize, or medically treat said apiary in strict compliance with rules and regulations pertaining thereto, or the commissioner may require the beekeeper to burn, sterilize, or medically treat said apiary.

Source: C.R.S. Title 35 Article 25 - Colorado Bee ActView official code

Full Breakdown

The Colorado Bee and Bee Products Act, C.R.S. 35-25-101 et seq., lets the Department of Agriculture inspect apiaries for diseases such as American foulbrood, but statewide registration fees were eliminated in 1990 and routine inspections were discontinued, leaving no active mandatory registration. Inspections now occur mainly on request for export certification, at the beekeeper's expense. Local governments control hive placement, setbacks, and density, and some cities (for example Broomfield and Thornton) require a local permit before keeping hives.

Violations & Penalties

There is no active state registration penalty; enforcement is largely local. Moving diseased colonies or ignoring a requested-inspection quarantine can still trigger orders and costs under the Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my beehives in Colorado?

No. Colorado's statewide bee registration program has been unfunded since 1990, so there is no mandatory state registration. Some cities require a local hive permit, so check local rules.

Can cities regulate beekeeping in Colorado?

Yes. Hive placement, setbacks, and density are controlled by local zoning, and some municipalities require a permit. State law does not preempt those local rules.

Sources

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