Yes, beekeeping is legal in North Dakota, but compliance with state and local regulations is mandatory. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) oversees apiary management, requiring registration and adherence to disease control protocols. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions, particularly in urban or suburban zones.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in North Dakota
- Apiary Registration: All beekeepers must register colonies annually with the NDDA under Chapter 21-10 of the North Dakota Century Code. Registration fees apply, and updates are required for colony counts or location changes.
- Disease and Pest Control: Mandatory inspections for foulbrood and varroa mites are enforced. The NDDA may quarantine or destroy infected hives to prevent statewide outbreaks, per N.D. Admin. Code § 21-10-04.
- Local Zoning Restrictions: Municipalities like Fargo and Bismarck impose setback requirements (e.g., minimum 25-foot distance from property lines) and may limit hive numbers in residential areas. Check county or city ordinances for 2026 updates.
Failure to comply risks fines up to $500 per violation or forced hive removal. The NDDA’s 2025 Apiary Program Report highlights a 12% increase in registered beekeepers, prompting stricter enforcement. Consult the NDDA’s Apiary Program for seasonal advisories on pesticide exposure risks to pollinators.