Bellaire, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Beekeeping
- Permitted under Texas law
- City Permit
- Not specifically required
- Nuisance Standard
- Chapter 6 applies to bee issues
- State Agency
- Texas Apiary Inspection Service
- Contact
- (713) 662-8222 Code Enforcement
Summary
Bellaire does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Texas law generally permits beekeeping statewide, but Bellaire's animal nuisance provisions under Chapter 6 apply to bees if they create a disturbance to neighbors. The city's small residential lots require careful hive placement to avoid neighbor conflicts.
Sec. 131.045. BEEKEEPER REGISTRATION. (a) Each beekeeper in this state may register on an annual basis with the chief apiary inspector. A registration under this section expires August 31 following the date the registration is issued.(b) A registration must include:(1) information required by the chief apiary inspector; and(2) the county or counties in which the beekeeper operates.(c) The inspector may require a beekeeper to submit with the registration information a map showing the exact location of each of the beekeeper's apiaries. A map submitted under this section is a trade secret under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not be disclosed.
Full Breakdown
Texas is a beekeeping-friendly state with laws that generally protect the right to keep bees. Bellaire has not enacted a specific beekeeping ban or permit requirement. However, under Chapter 6, any animal keeping that creates a nuisance, including bee stings, swarms affecting neighbors, or aggressive hive behavior, can be subject to enforcement. Bellaire's compact lots (typically 7,000–9,000 sq ft) mean hives are necessarily close to property lines and neighbors. Best practices include placing hives in rear yards with flyway barriers, maintaining docile bee genetics, and providing on-site water sources. Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) provides statewide guidance. Bellaire Code Enforcement at (713) 662-8222 handles animal nuisance complaints.
Violations & Fines
While beekeeping itself is not prohibited, bee colonies causing a nuisance may trigger code enforcement under Chapter 6. Fines up to $500 per offense for animal nuisances. The city may require hive removal if the nuisance cannot be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in Bellaire TX?
Do I need a permit for beekeeping in Bellaire?
What if my neighbor's bees are a problem in Bellaire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellaire
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bellaire to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle beekeeping.