Baytown does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Keeping bees on residential property is not prohibited by city code. Texas is a bee-friendly state with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) overseeing bee colony registration. Baytown's lack of zoning means no zone-based beekeeping restrictions. Bee colonies causing a nuisance may be addressed under Chapter 34.
Baytown has no local ordinance specifically addressing beekeeping. Without traditional zoning, there are no zone-based restrictions on where hives can be placed. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 governs apiary inspection and requires beekeepers to register with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) if they maintain colonies. Key practical considerations in Baytown include: hives should be placed away from property boundaries and pedestrian areas; adequate water sources should be provided to prevent bees from visiting neighbors' pools and pet dishes; and hive management should prevent swarms. Bee colonies that create a genuine nuisance — stinging incidents, aggressive behavior, swarming in public areas — can be addressed under Chapter 34 nuisance provisions. Local beekeeping groups affiliated with the Harris County Beekeepers Association can provide guidance on best practices for urban beekeeping.
No specific beekeeping violations exist in Baytown code. Bee colonies creating nuisance conditions (aggressive bees, swarming in public areas) may be cited under Chapter 34. Africanized honey bee colonies should be reported to TAIS. Failure to register with TAIS when required is a state violation. Contact Code Enforcement at (281) 420-6585 for nuisance complaints.
Baytown, TX
Baytown enforces noise regulations under its Code of Ordinances. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM in residential areas. Located near major ExxonMobil and Chevro...
Baytown, TX
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Nuisances) regulates construction noise in residential areas. Construction activities producing loud noise are restric...
Baytown, TX
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA sys...
Baytown, TX
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Baytown, TX
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Baytown, TX
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
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