Fort Bend County follows Texas state law allowing beekeeping as a qualifying agricultural use on tracts of 5 to 20 acres, granting agricultural valuation for property tax purposes when minimum colony counts are maintained.
Fort Bend County Appraisal District accepts beekeeping as an agricultural use under Texas Tax Code Section 23.51, requiring 6 colonies minimum on 5 acres, with one additional colony per 2.5 additional acres up to 12 colonies on 20 acres. Beekeepers must maintain hives for at least 5 of 7 prior years to qualify. While the county itself does not impose a bee-specific ordinance, county appraisal practices and unincorporated zoning treat beekeeping as a permitted agricultural activity rather than a regulated nuisance.
Misrepresenting beekeeping use for ag valuation can result in rollback taxes covering up to 5 years plus interest and penalties.
Fort Bend County, TX
Fort Bend County has NO quiet-hours ordinance in unincorporated areas β Texas counties lack the police power to enact one (Local Gov't Code Ch. 233). Enforce...
Fort Bend County, TX
Fort Bend County has adopted nonconsent towing and storage regulations for abandoned and unauthorized vehicles in unincorporated areas, with disposition proc...
Fort Bend County, TX
Fort Bend County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. The county has not adopted zoning ordinances and does not issue Certificates of Occ...
Fort Bend County, TX
Fort Bend County requires semi-public and public swimming pools and spas to be enclosed by a barrier meeting county standards, but exempts private single-fam...
Fort Bend County, TX
Fort Bend County adopts the International Fire Code with local amendments, requiring Fire Marshal permits for LPG and propane storage in unincorporated areas.
Fort Bend County, TX
Fort Bend County enforces TCEQ outdoor burning rules and the county Fire Code, with Commissioners Court burn bans triggered during drought conditions.
See how Fort Bend County's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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