Henrico County Code has no beekeeping ordinance, so keeping honeybees is generally allowed, subject to zoning. Virginia Code Sec. 3.2-4411.1 shields a beekeeper who operates an apiary reasonably, follows local zoning, and uses state best management practices from injury and property-damage liability.
Chapter 5 (Animals) does not regulate bees or hives, and Henrico imposes no county beekeeping permit. State law encourages beekeeping: Va. Code Sec. 3.2-4411.1(B) limits a beekeeper's liability when the apiary is operated in a reasonable manner, in compliance with local zoning, and per the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' written best management practices (2VAC5-319-30). Practical siting - setbacks from property lines, flyway barriers, and a water source - comes from those state best management practices rather than a Henrico ordinance. Confirm any lot-specific limits with the County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 24) and check HOA covenants, which may restrict hives independently.
No county beekeeping penalty exists. A hive causing a documented nuisance can be abated, and failing to follow zoning or state best management practices can forfeit the Sec. 3.2-4411.1 liability shield.
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