Keeping of Honey Bees

In Boston, residents are allowed to keep bees, but they must follow specific regulations and guidelines to ensure safety and harmony with the community. Here are key points about beekeeping in Boston:

Process for Applying to Keep Bees in Boston

Boston residents interested in keeping bees must follow a defined application process depending on whether their beekeeping operation will be on the ground level or a rooftop. Below are the detailed steps:

1. Determine If a Building Permit Is Required

Rooftop Beekeeping:

A building permit is required and depends on the type of rooftop setup:

Pre-existing, Permitted Roof Deck:

Submit a short form building permit application. This must include an engineer-certified assessment of the roof's load capacity to confirm it can support the weight of beehives.

New Roof Deck or Unpermitted Roof Area:

Submit a long form building permit application. This application must address rooftop access, safety systems, and occupant load in compliance with Commissioner’s Bulletin CB2022-02.

2. Complete the Beekeeping Registration Form

Submit an Application for Permit to Keep Honey Bees in person to ISD’s Health Division, 1010 Mass Ave. 4th Fl. Boston. The application requires the following:

Completed Registration Form:

Fill out all sections of the provided form.

Sketch of Proposed Hives:

Include a hand-drawn, to-scale sketch with:

• Dimensions (height, cubic feet).
• Locations of all walls, fences, or barriers between the property and neighboring properties.
• Setbacks from property lines.
• Address of the nearest adjacent abutters.

Rooftop Operations Specifics (if applicable):

Include the building permit issued by ISD's Building Division approving rooftop beekeeping operations.

Flyway Description:

Detail the measures (such as barriers or fencing) that will guide bee flight paths safely away from neighboring areas.

3. Submit and Await Approval

Once all required documentation is compiled, submit the application in person to ISD’s Health Division, 1010 Mass Ave. 4th Floor, Boston. Follow up if necessary to ensure compliance with any additional inspections or approvals.