Grapevine, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Grapevine permits residential beekeeping in most single-family zones subject to setback requirements (typically 25 feet from property lines and 10 feet from adjacent dwellings), flyway barriers (6-foot solid fence or hedge that routes bees upward before crossing property lines), and hive density limits (often 2 hives on standard lots, more on larger acreage). No city permit is required for hobby beekeeping. Beekeepers should register with the Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) at Texas A&M if their operation exceeds 6 hives or if they plan to move hives across state lines.

TAIS registration is free for hobby beekeepers but commercial and interstate operations require a 200-dollar permit and a health certificate. Hives are treated as agricultural property under Texas Ag Code and receive property tax benefits (bee-qualifying open-space valuation at 5+ acres). Swarm calls in Grapevine are routed to local beekeeping clubs (Metro Beekeepers Association, Cross Timbers Beekeepers) rather than exterminators. Aggressive or Africanized hives constitute a public nuisance and can be ordered removed. HOA covenants often restrict hives more strictly than city code.