Yes, keeping bees is legal in New Hampshire, provided compliance with state and local regulations.
Beekeeping is permitted statewide under New Hampshire’s Apiary Act (RSA 438), administered by the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food (NHDAMF). Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions, particularly in urban or suburban zones. As of 2026, NHDAMF has intensified apiary registration enforcement, requiring all hives to be documented annually. Violations may result in fines or mandatory hive removal. Prospective beekeepers should verify municipal zoning laws, as some towns prohibit hives within residential districts.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in New Hampshire
- Apiary Registration: All hives must be registered annually with NHDAMF via the Apiary Inspection Program, which includes a $10 fee per location. Failure to register risks penalties under RSA 438:10.
- Disease Control: Beekeepers must comply with NHDAMF’s Apiary Health Regulations, mandating inspections for foulbrood and other contagious diseases. Infected hives may be quarantined or destroyed.
- Zoning and Nuisance Laws: Municipalities like Manchester and Portsmouth enforce setback requirements (e.g., 25+ feet from property lines) and prohibit hives in high-traffic public areas. Nuisance complaints may trigger local ordinance enforcement.