The City of Chesapeake regulates beekeeping under Zoning Ordinance Section 14-905 (Beekeeping; construction, placement, and maintenance of beehives), within Article 14 (Accessory Uses and Structures). Chesapeake also follows the Virginia state Bee Law (Va. Code Title 3.2, Ch. 44) and the VDACS Best Management Practices in 2VAC5-319-30, which require apiary registration and a 10-foot setback from property lines.
Chesapeake's Zoning Ordinance Article 14 (Accessory Uses and Structures), Section 14-905, governs the construction, placement, and maintenance of beehives within the city. Beekeeping is treated as an accessory use to a primary residential or agricultural use. Beyond the local placement requirements, all Chesapeake beekeepers must comply with the Virginia State Apiary law (Va. Code Title 3.2, Chapter 44), which requires registration with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and submission to apiary inspection. VDACS Best Management Practices (2 VAC 5-319-30) require that colonies be maintained at least 10 feet from any property line; colonies less than 40 feet from a property line must be placed behind a barrier no less than 6 feet in height, or the hive entrance elevated at least 6 feet above the property line. The State Apiarist oversees the registration program, conducts disease inspections, and regulates interstate movement of bees, queens, and used equipment. Because Chesapeake is an independent city (county-equivalent), the city zoning code governs all residential parcels within city limits.
Zoning violations of Section 14-905 are enforced by the Chesapeake Department of Development and Permits / Zoning Administration. Failure to register an apiary with VDACS is a separate state violation. Civil penalties for zoning violations are set by Chapter 14 of the Code; willful non-compliance can be referred to the General District Court.
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