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Gwinnett County, GA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum lot size
10,000 square feet
Hive limit
2 colonies per 10,000 sq ft
Property-line setback
10 feet minimum
Right-of-way setback
50 feet minimum
Flyway barrier
6 feet tall, within 25 ft

Summary

Unincorporated Gwinnett County allows backyard beekeeping on lots of at least 10,000 square feet, capped at two hives per 10,000 square feet with strict setbacks.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Gwinnett County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A.Honeybees shall not be kept on lots containing less than 10,000 square feet. No more than two colonies or hives, with only two swarms, shall be allowed per 10,000 square feet of lot area...D.No hive shall be located closer than ten feet from any property line or 25 feet from any principal building on an adjoining parcel.E.No hive shall be located closer than 50 feet from a public right-of-way.

Source: Georgia Department of Agriculture — Bees & BeekeepingView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9).

Full Breakdown

Gwinnett County's Unified Development Ordinance permits beekeeping as a conditional accessory use on lots of at least 10,000 square feet, with no more than two colonies or hives per 10,000 square feet of lot area. Hives can't exceed 20 cubic feet, must sit at least 10 feet from any property line and 50 feet from a public right-of-way, and must be marked to warn visitors. A six-foot flyway barrier is required wherever a hive sits within 25 feet of a property line, and owners must remove any hive that becomes a legal nuisance.

Violations & Fines

Keeping bees below the 10,000-square-foot lot minimum, exceeding the hive-per-lot cap, or skipping the required setbacks and flyway barrier is a zoning violation subject to county code enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does my lot need to be to keep bees in Gwinnett County?
At least 10,000 square feet, with a maximum of two colonies or hives per 10,000 square feet of lot area.
How close to my property line can a beehive sit?
No closer than 10 feet to any property line or 25 feet to a neighbor's principal building, and a 6-foot flyway barrier is required within 25 feet of the line.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Gwinnett County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsCat RulesFew RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Gwinnett County rules

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