Chesapeake, VA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- VDACS annual (free)
- Setback
- 10 ft property line typical
- Flyway Barrier
- 6 ft if close to line
- Water Source
- Required on-site
- State Law
- VA 3.2-4400 et seq.
Summary
Beekeeping is allowed throughout Chesapeake subject to City Code Chapter 10 setback rules and state-level registration under VA Code section 3.2-4400 et seq. Hives must be registered annually with the Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) State Apiarist.
"Apiary" means any place where one or more colonies of bees are kept. "Appliance" means any apparatus, tool, machine, or other device used in the handling and manipulating of bees, honey, wax, hives, and hive parts and shall include containers used in transporting, processing, storing, or merchandising bees and bee products. "Bee" means the honeybee, Apis mellifera and genetic variations thereof, at any living stage; and may include other hymenopterous insects that depend on pollen and nectar for food. "Bee diseases" means departures from a sound state of health of bees characterized by visible symptoms including American foulbrood and any other diseases, insects, mites, or bee pests.
Full Breakdown
Chesapeake permits residential beekeeping in most zoning districts. Local rules typically require hives to be placed at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from public streets, with a flyway barrier (fence or hedge at least 6 feet high) if placed closer to lot lines. A water source must be provided on the beekeepers property to reduce neighbor issues. Beekeepers must register annually with VDACS under VA Code section 3.2-4400 et seq.; registration is free but the State Apiarist may inspect for American Foulbrood and other diseases. Hive density varies by lot size; most residential lots in Chesapeake (including the agricultural-residential zones common in southern Chesapeake near the Great Dismal Swamp) accommodate 2-4 hives without issue. HOAs may prohibit beekeeping. Africanized bees are rare in Virginia but reportable.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered hives: state warning and mandatory registration. Setback violations: civil penalty $100-$250. Aggressive colonies may be ordered removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hives can I keep on a residential lot?
Do I need my neighbors permission to keep bees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chesapeake
Compare Chesapeake to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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