Cary, NC Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Max hives
- 5 per parcel
- Setback
- 10 ft from property line
- Permit
- accessory use permit required
- Water source
- required, closer than neighbor's
- Nuisance penalty
- 12-month permit ban
Summary
The Town of Cary, Wake County, North Carolina allows residential beekeeping as an accessory use with a town permit: up to five hives per lot, each set at least 10 feet from property lines with an on-site water source closer to the hive than any neighbor's.
(1) General Requirements (a) The maximum number of hives allowed shall be five hives on a single parcel. (b) No hive shall be established or kept within ten (10) feet of a property line. (c) Hives shall be placed at ground level or securely attached to an anchor or stand. (d) A constant and adequate on-site source of fresh water shall be provided... (e) An accessory use permit must be secured in accordance with Section 3.5.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
LDO § 5.3.4(O) permits beekeeping as an accessory residential use townwide, capped at five hives per parcel. Each hive must sit at least 10 feet from any property line, be placed at ground level or on a secure stand, and have a constant on-site water source located closer to the hive than any water source on a neighboring lot. Keepers must first obtain an accessory use permit under LDO § 3.5, filing a plot plan showing each hive's location and distance from property lines. If a bee nuisance under Code of Ordinances § 6-71a is not abated after a final appeal, the Planning Director can revoke the permit and bar reapplication for beekeeping for twelve months.
Violations & Fines
Keeping more than five hives, placing a hive within 10 feet of a property line, or operating without an accessory use permit violates LDO § 5.3.4(O); an unabated nuisance under § 6-71a can cost the beekeeper a 12-month permit ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep in Cary, NC?
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Cary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle beekeeping.