Yes, beekeeping is legal in Colorado, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) oversees apiary health, while municipalities may impose additional restrictions. Recent 2026 updates to the Colorado Apiary Act emphasize disease control and registration requirements.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Colorado
- Apiary Registration: All beekeepers must register hives annually with the CDA under C.R.S. § 35-22-101 et seq., with fees ranging from $10 to $50 based on colony count. Failure to register risks fines up to $500 per unregistered hive.
- Disease Management: Hives must comply with CDA-mandated inspections for pests like Varroa destructor and foulbrood. Infected colonies may be quarantined or destroyed under C.R.S. § 35-22-105.
- Local Ordinances: Counties such as Boulder and Denver impose additional zoning rules, including minimum lot sizes (e.g., 0.5 acres) and setback requirements (typically 25–50 feet from property lines). Urban beekeepers should verify municipal codes.
Violations of state or local rules may result in penalties, including hive removal. The CDA’s 2026 Apiary Inspection Manual further clarifies compliance protocols. Consult the CDA Apiary Program for updates.