Overview
The Cambridge City Council amended the city’s zoning ordinance in December 2017 to make beekeeping legal in Cambridge. The same month, the Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Cambridge announced, “A Regulation for the Keeping of Honeybees,” which created the process for beekeepers to acquire a permit.
In October 2024, the Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Cambridge promulgated revisions to this regulation under the authority of M.G.L. c. 111 s.31. These revisions improve the clarity of language within the regulations, remove the requirement for a public hearing prior to permit approval for new applicants, and limit the restrictions regarding the transferability of permits.
Permit Process
Anyone who would like to keep honeybees in Cambridge—or is currently keeping honeybees—must apply for a beekeeping permit from the Cambridge Public Health Department. The permit application requirements include:
- Consent from property owner(s)
- Written description of the beehive’s construction and pest management practices
- Written contingency plan and beekeeper responsibility agreement
- Detailed site sketch
- Annual site inspection
More Information
If you have questions or concerns regarding permitting, human health, safety, inspections, site conditions, sanitation, or maintenance, please contact the Cambridge Public Health Department at [email protected] or 617-665-3800.
Updated: January 6, 2025