North Dakota Statewide Rule
North Dakota State Beekeeping Registration Requirements
Key Facts
- Statute
- NDCC Chapter 4.1-16
- License fee
- $5 annually
- Registration due
- December 31
- Enforcement
- ND Dept of Agriculture
- Top Producer
- #1 honey state nationally
Summary
North Dakota requires every beekeeper to obtain an annual state license and register apiary locations with the Department of Agriculture under NDCC Chapter 4.1-16. The $5 license expires December 31. The state inspects for disease, while municipalities retain zoning authority over hobby hives.
4.1-16-02. Beekeeper's license - Application - Declaration. 1. Before a person may act as a beekeeper in this state, the person must be licensed by the agriculture commissioner. 2. To obtain a beekeeper's license, a person must complete an application and submit it to the commissioner. 3. The application must include: a. The applicant's name, address, and telephone number; b. The maximum number of colonies to be located in or placed in this state; and c. The name, address, and telephone number of a resident agent who is authorized to accept service of process.
Full Breakdown
Under NDCC Chapter 4.1-16, every person who owns or manages honey bees in North Dakota must obtain a beekeeper's license from the state and register apiary locations under section 4.1-16-08. The $5 license expires December 31 each year, and apiaries must be marked with the beekeeper's name, phone number, and identification number. The Department of Agriculture's apiary program administers licensing and registration and inspects hives for American foulbrood and other diseases. Location registration helps manage apiary placement and disease spread, which matters because North Dakota leads the nation in honey production. Municipalities retain zoning authority over hobby beekeeping within city limits.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without a beekeeper's license, failing to register or mark apiaries, or refusing inspection is an infraction subject to fines and possible hive treatment or destruction orders to control disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hobby beekeepers need to register with the state?
Can cities ban beekeeping if I am state-registered?
Sources
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