George Mason Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping Rules (2026)

Fairfax County permits beekeeping as an accessory residential use, less restrictively than chicken-keeping. Hives are permitted on most residential lots subject to specific setback requirements: hives must typically be placed at least 10 feet from any property line, and a 6-foot solid fence or dense vegetation (flyway barrier) is required between hives and neighboring properties when hives are within 25 feet of a property line. The flyway barrier forces bees to fly upward above human activity. Beekeepers must register hives with the Virginia State Apiarist under Virginia Code §3.2-4400 et seq. for annual disease inspection. Providing an on-site water source (e.g., shallow dish with stones) is strongly recommended to prevent bees from congregating at neighbors' pools or birdbaths. Fairfax County does not impose a hive count limit for residential beekeeping, though best practice suggests 2-3 hives per quarter-acre lot. HOAs may still prohibit beekeeping through covenants, though Virginia is increasingly bee-friendly; Virginia Code §3.2-4414 provides some protection for beekeepers conducting good-practice operations. Honey sales directly to consumers fall under Virginia Cottage Food Law exemptions.