Georgetown, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

The City of Georgetown regulates beekeeping in Title 7, Chapter 7.08. Section 7.08.010 requires a colony to be kept in a Langstroth-type hive with removable frames maintained in sound and usable condition, a water source provided to keep bees from gathering at neighbors' water, and removed comb stored or disposed of in a sealed, bee-proof enclosure. Section 7.08.020 sets locations: a hive may not be within ten feet of the property line; a colony kept within 25 feet of a property line requires a flyway barrier parallel to that line; a hive must be at least 50 feet from another person's private residence; and the owner must give written notice to the Chief of Police or designee identifying ownership and hive location at least 50 feet from another residence. Section 7.08.040 caps colony density by lot size: two colonies on a tract one-quarter acre or smaller, four on more than one-quarter but under one-half acre, six on one-half acre to under one acre, and eight on one acre or more; unlimited colonies are allowed where every hive is at least 200 feet from each property line or from vacant property. Section 7.08.030 requires prompt re-queening of any aggressive colony. Statewide, the Texas Apiary Inspection Service administers Agriculture Code Chapter 131; state registration is permissive, not mandatory.