Bryan, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback from homes
- 50 feet from other dwellings
- Flyway barrier trigger
- Within 25 ft of property line
- Barrier size
- 6 ft high, 10 ft past hive
- Water source
- Required within sight of hive
- Governing section
- Bryan City Code § 10-137
Summary
Bryan lets residents keep backyard beehives without a permit, but hives must sit 50 feet from neighboring homes, or have a six-foot flyway barrier if closer to a property line, plus an on-site water source in view of the hive.
It is unlawful to keep a hive within 50 feet of any structure used for human habitation, excluding the residence of the owner. If a hive is located within 25 feet of a property line, the owner must maintain a flyway barrier, such as a solid wall, fence, or dense vegetation, parallel to the property line, which must be at least six feet high and extend at least ten feet beyond each end of the hive.
(b) A person shall provide a source of water on the same property within line of sight of a hive.
(c) Control of aggressive hive . A person shall immediately replace the queen in a hive that exhibits aggressive characteristics, including stinging or attempting to sting without provocation, or a disposition towards swarming. The hive shall be temporarily removed to a location outside the city limits which is at least 200 feet from any structure used for human habitation for a period of at least 45 days.
(d) If it is determined by the animal control authority that a person's bees are becoming a nuisance to other properties, the person may be required to reconfigure, relocate, or remove one or more hives. The person may appeal an order issued under this section by submitting a written request for an appeal to the city manager's office within ten business days of the order. The city manager, or his or her designee, shall consider the appeal and either uphold, modify, or reverse the order. It is a violation of this section to fail to comply with an order issued under this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Bryan regulates backyard beekeeping under Sec. 10-137, part of Chapter 10's livestock, fowl, and agricultural animals article. A hive can't sit within 50 feet of any occupied structure other than the beekeeper's own home; if it's within 25 feet of a property line, the owner must build a six-foot flyway barrier (wall, fence, or dense vegetation) that runs at least 10 feet past each end of the hive. Keepers must also provide water on the property within sight of the hive. Animal control can order an aggressive colony requeened or temporarily moved 200 feet outside city limits for 45 days, and can order a nuisance hive reconfigured, relocated, or removed, with an appeal to the city manager available within 10 business days.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a hive inside the 50-foot setback without the required flyway barrier, skipping the on-site water source, or ignoring an animal control order to requeen, reconfigure, relocate, or remove a nuisance hive is a violation of Sec. 10-137.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Bryan?
Can the city make me remove my beehive?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bryan
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bryan 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.