Beekeeping is legal in Chesterfield County. Hives are governed by the county Zoning Ordinance and Virginia's state beekeeping law (Title 3.2, Ch. 44). Keep hives set back from property lines and follow recognized best-management practices.
Virginia regulates apiaries under Code of Virginia Title 3.2, Chapter 44 (Beekeeping), administered by the State Apiarist. Chesterfield does not ban hobby beekeeping; hive placement is controlled through the county Zoning Ordinance, with keeping most freely allowed in Agricultural districts. The county sets no unique numeric hive cap in its animal code, so beekeepers should observe typical best practices (adequate setbacks from lot lines, a water source, and swarm control) and confirm district rules with Planning. Diseased colonies must be reported to the State Apiarist.
Nuisance or negligent hive-keeping can be abated under zoning and nuisance provisions; failure to report diseased bees violates state apiary law.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chesterfield County, VA
Backyard composting of yard and food waste is allowed in Chesterfield County and promoted as a waste-reduction practice. Compost must be kept so it does not ...
Chesterfield County, VA
Chesterfield County has no ordinance banning residential artificial turf. Synthetic lawns are generally allowed, subject to zoning, stormwater and drainage r...
Chesterfield County, VA
Chesterfield County does not require homeowners to plant native species in ordinary yards, but native and regionally appropriate plants are required for rest...
Chesterfield County, VA
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Chesterfield County. There is no ordinance banning rain barrels or cisterns for residential lawn and garden u...
Chesterfield County, VA
Virginia has no statewide mandatory lawn-watering ban. Chesterfield County Utilities issues conservation measures during drought; as of summer 2026 restricti...
Chesterfield County, VA
Chesterfield County Code prohibits uncontrolled weeds and grass. Occupied residential lots under one-half acre are limited to 12 inches; vacant developed and...
See how Chesterfield County's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.