I am setting up to add 3 more hives to my backyard this year. I just placed my order for two more starter kits as I have one empty which I got for a swarm that left before I got back with it and then I have the original one (bees are still there).

Once I have all of them set up I will have 4. The maximum number allowed by my city is 5.

By law, if I have 5 or more I am required to register them with the State Agriculture Department. I don't care to have the government in my backyard so I'm stopping at 4. The fee is very small and they check for diseases to help keep all the honeybees healthy.

I am prohibited from selling any of the bees, honey, etc. as that would make them 'livestock' and I'm not zoned for livestock…gotta love 'em!