Charlotte, NC Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- GS §106-635: 5 or fewer hives protected
- Local Ban
- Prohibited by state law
- Regulation
- NC Dept of Agriculture
- Pesticide Notice
- $10 registration fee
- HOAs
- May still restrict via CC&Rs
Summary
Beekeeping in Charlotte is protected by GS §106-635 et seq. (NC Bee and Honey Act). State law prohibits local governments from banning 5 or fewer hives. Charlotte cannot ban beekeeping. NC Dept of Agriculture regulates; $10 pesticide notification registration available.
Sec. 106-635. Definitions. As used in this Article:
(1) The term "apiary" means bees, comb, hives, appliances, or colonies, wherever they are kept, located, or found.
(2) The term "bee(s)" means insects of the superfamily Apoidea; in particular, the honeybees, Apis mellifera (L). It includes all life stages of such insects, their genetic material, and dead remains.
(3) The term "beeyard" means a location or site where bees are located in hives.
(4) The term "Board" means the North Carolina Board of Agriculture.
(5) The term "Brazilian or African bee" means bees of the subspecies Apis mellifera Adansonii and their progeny.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping in Charlotte is regulated by local ordinance. North Carolina has an active beekeeping community supported by the NC Beekeepers Association and NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Common local rules include: hive setbacks (10 to 25 ft from property lines), maximum number of hives (typically 2 to 4 in residential zones), flyway barriers, and water source requirements. Registration with the NC Department of Agriculture apiary inspection program is recommended for disease monitoring.
Violations & Fines
Ordinance violation: $50 to $200. Nuisance complaints may trigger additional restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Charlotte?
What are the beekeeping regulations in Charlotte?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charlotte
Compare Charlotte to another location·View the North Carolina animal ordinances overview
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle beekeeping.