Converse, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State framework
- Texas Agriculture Code Ch 131
- Hive setback
- 10 feet from property line
- Flyway barrier
- 6 feet high if closer
- Registration
- TAIS if 6+ colonies
- Africanized bees
- Requeen as needed
Summary
Converse permits residential beekeeping with setbacks under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131. Hives register with Texas Apiary Inspection Service and must sit behind flyway barriers near property lines.
Sec. 131.044. CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION. (a) A person who wants a certificate of inspection for bees, equipment, pollen, or honey must request the inspection from the chief apiary inspector. (b) On receipt of a request, the inspector shall authorize the inspection of the bees, equipment, pollen, or honey for the presence of disease or pests. (c) If a disease or reportable pest is not found in the bees, equipment, pollen, or honey, the inspector shall certify in writing that the bees, equipment, pollen, or honey is apparently free from disease and reportable pests. (d) The inspector shall charge fees for inspections requested under this section. Sec. 131.045. BEEKEEPER REGISTRATION. (a) Each beekeeper in this state may register on an annual basis with the chief apiary inspector.
Full Breakdown
Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 establishes the statewide beekeeping framework administered by the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) at Texas A&M. Converse allows beekeeping on residential lots in most zoning districts with setback and flyway-barrier requirements designed to direct bees upward and away from pedestrians and neighbors. Typical requirements include hives placed at least 10 feet from property lines, or behind a 6-foot flyway barrier (fence or dense vegetation) if closer, a water source on the beekeeper property to discourage bees from visiting neighbor pools and birdbaths, and registration of any apiary with TAIS if the beekeeper has 6 or more colonies. Africanized honey bee precautions are important in Bexar County which has established AHB populations; requeening with European queens and regular temperament monitoring are best practices. Beekeepers selling honey are covered by the Texas Cottage Food Law with labeling requirements. Neighbor disputes can be mediated by TAIS or Converse Code Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need city permission for 1 or 2 hives?
What about Africanized bee concerns?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Converse
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle beekeeping.