Connecticut Urban Beekeeping Laws: A Real-World Guide for Backyard and City Beekeepers

Urban beekeeping is on the rise from New Haven to Hartford to Stamford. Whether you want to help pollinators, harvest your own honey, or just try something new, keeping bees in Connecticut cities and suburbs is totally doable—but you’ll need to know the rules. Here’s a practical, conversational guide to Connecticut’s urban beekeeping laws, with the tips and nuances nobody tells you until it’s too late.

Is Urban Beekeeping Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, urban beekeeping is legal throughout Connecticut, but there are both state and local hoops to jump through. Connecticut is bee-friendly, but you’ll need to follow registration, placement, and nuisance rules to stay out of trouble. Most headaches come from not knowing city or neighborhood policies, not the state law itself.

Connecticut State Law: What You Must Do

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is in charge of bees and apiaries statewide. Here are the key requirements:

Mandatory Registration: Every beekeeper in Connecticut—urban, suburban, or rural—must register all hives (apiaries) with the state Department of Agriculture. This is free and must be renewed annually. It helps inspectors manage bee health and respond to disease outbreaks.
Hive Marking: State law requires you to mark hives with your name and address, so inspectors and neighbors know who owns them.
Inspections and Disease Control: The state may inspect hives for disease (like American Foulbrood). Infected hives can be quarantined or destroyed to protect the wider bee community.

But… Connecticut state law doesn’t say how many hives you can keep, how close to the property line, or what setbacks you need. That’s all up to your city, town, or (sometimes) your neighborhood association.

Local Ordinances: Where the Details Matter

Cities and towns across Connecticut have their own beekeeping rules. Here’s what you’ll commonly find:

Number of hives: Many towns allow 2–4 hives on a typical residential lot. Larger lots, schools, or community gardens may have different allowances.
Setbacks and placement: Hives often must be 10–25 feet from property lines, sidewalks, or dwellings. Some towns are more flexible if you install flyway barriers.
Flyway barriers: A 6-foot fence, dense hedge, or wall may be required if hives are close to neighboring properties. This forces bees to fly up and over, reducing human-bee encounters.
Water source: Providing a reliable water source (like a bird bath or dish) is usually required, so bees don’t use your neighbor’s pool or pet bowl.
Nuisance and swarm control: If your bees repeatedly swarm, sting, or bother neighbors, you may be ordered to reduce hives or remove them. Most cities treat problem hives under “public nuisance” rules.
HOA and lease rules: Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and landlords can set stricter rules, or ban beekeeping even if your city allows it. Always check your CC&Rs or rental agreement.

City Examples: Urban Beekeeping in Connecticut

New Haven: Allows backyard beekeeping with reasonable placement, water source, and best practices. Complaints handled under general nuisance laws.
Hartford: Encourages pollinator-friendly yards. Backyard hives must be set back from property lines and have a water source; flyway barriers recommended.
Stamford: Permits backyard beekeeping, but requires notification of neighbors, hive registration, and observance of setbacks (often 10 feet or more).
Bridgeport and smaller towns: Rules are similar—allow bees with setback, water, and nuisance rules, but check city code for the latest updates.

If your city or town isn’t listed, call your zoning, health, or animal control office for up-to-date requirements. If there’s no specific bee code, general nuisance ordinances still apply.

What About Selling Honey?

Connecticut’s cottage food law allows home beekeepers to sell honey directly to consumers at markets or from your home, with proper labeling. Selling to stores, restaurants, or at larger scale may require extra permits.

Penalties and Enforcement

State or city inspectors can order hives removed or destroyed for disease, repeated nuisance, or violations.
You may face fines or lose the right to keep bees if you repeatedly ignore nuisance complaints or fail to register hives.
HOA or landlords can enforce their own stricter penalties.

How to Be a Good Urban Beekeeper in Connecticut

Register your hives every year, and keep them marked.
Keep hive entrances away from sidewalks, play areas, and neighbor’s yards.
Install flyway barriers if your lot is small or bees fly near people.
Maintain a water source—refill it often, especially in summer.
Limit your hive numbers to local rules and your property’s size.
Let neighbors know about your bees—sometimes a jar of honey helps prevent complaints.
Manage swarms and aggressive colonies quickly; re-queen if needed.
Join a local beekeeping club for support, education, and help with swarms or issues.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Urban Beekeeping in Connecticut—Legal, Rewarding, and Manageable

Urban beekeeping is alive and thriving in Connecticut, but comes with real responsibilities. Register your hives, respect city and neighborhood rules, communicate with neighbors, and you’ll be harvesting honey—and pollinating city gardens—for years to come.