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Loudoun County, VA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Zones
AR/TR + most residential
Setback
10-25 ft typical
Flyway Barrier
6 ft if close
VDACS Reg
VA §3.2-4400
Loudoun Beekeepers
500+ members

Summary

Loudoun Zoning permits beekeeping in AR, TR, and most residential zones subject to setback rules. VDACS registration required under VA §3.2-4400. County is home to active beekeeper association.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Loudoun County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

"Apiary" means any place where one or more colonies of bees are kept. "Appliance" means any apparatus, tool, machine, or other device used in the handling and manipulating of bees, honey, wax, hives, and hive parts and shall include containers used in transporting, processing, storing, or merchandising bees and bee products. "Bee" means the honeybee, Apis mellifera and genetic variations thereof, at any living stage; and may include other hymenopterous insects that depend on pollen and nectar for food. "Bee diseases" means departures from a sound state of health of bees characterized by visible symptoms including American foulbrood and any other diseases, insects, mites, or bee pests.

Source: VDACS Apiary ProgramView official code

Full Breakdown

Beekeeping is permitted in Loudoun County across Agricultural Rural, Transitional Rural, and most residential zones under the Zoning Ordinance. Hive setback requirements are typically 10-25 feet from property lines, with flyway barrier (6-ft fence or vegetation) required where hives are within 25 feet of a property line. Virginia requires beekeeper registration with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) State Apiarist under VA Code §3.2-4400 for disease monitoring. The Loudoun Beekeepers Association is active with 500+ members. Western Loudoun's farm wineries, orchards, and pollinator-dependent agriculture make beekeeping especially well-supported. HOAs in eastern Loudoun subdivisions may prohibit hives independent of zoning.

Violations & Fines

Zoning violation: $50-$250. Nuisance bees (aggressive, swarming): complaint-based with correction period. Unregistered hives: VDACS enforcement. HOA violations separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical penalties for violating beekeeping rules?
Most Loudoun County animals violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Loudoun County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Loudoun County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsCat RulesLight RestrictionsPet Store RulesSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Loudoun County rules

Compare Loudoun County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview

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