Denton, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- City Code
- Ch. 6, Art. IV
- State Registration
- Required annually with TAIS (free)
- State Law
- TX Agriculture Code Ch. 131
- HOA Protection
- TX Property Code 202.007(d) -- lots 1/4 acre+
- Hive Type
- Movable-frame required for inspection
Summary
Denton Code Chapter 6 Article IV regulates residential beekeeping. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 requires all beekeepers to register apiaries annually with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service. Hives must be in movable-frame equipment for state inspection access. HOAs cannot ban beekeeping on lots of 1/4 acre or larger under TX Property Code 202.007.
Sec. 131.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Abandoned apiary, equipment, or bees" means an apiary, equipment, or a colony of bees that is not regularly maintained or attended in accordance with this chapter or rules or quarantines adopted under this chapter.(2) "Apiary" means a place where colonies of bees or nuclei of bees are kept.(3) "Beekeeper" means a person who owns, leases, possesses, controls, or manages one or more colonies of bees for any personal or commercial purpose.(4) "Bee" means any stage of the common honeybee, Apis mellifera species.(5) "Colony" means a distinguishable localized population of bees in which one or more life stages may be present.(6) "Director" means the director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research.(7
Full Breakdown
Denton Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 Article IV governs beekeeping within city limits. Hives must maintain adequate flyway barriers or setbacks so that bee flight paths do not cross neighboring properties at head height. A permanent water source must be maintained on the property to prevent bees from seeking water on neighboring land. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 requires all beekeepers, including hobbyists, to register their apiaries annually with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Registration is free. Hives must use movable-frame equipment to permit TAIS disease inspection.
TAIS inspectors may inspect for American foulbrood, European foulbrood, and other reportable diseases and may order destruction of infected colonies. 007(d), effective September 1, 2023, prohibits HOAs from restricting beekeeping on lots of one-quarter acre or more, provided no more than the allowed number of hives are kept and the beekeeper complies with applicable municipal regulations. Denton is home to an active UNT campus apiary program and several community beekeeping groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA ban beekeeping in Denton?
Do I need to register my hives with the state?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
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