Herndon, VA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- State registration
- Required under VA Code 3.2-4400
- Hive setback
- 10 to 15 feet typical
- Flyway barriers
- Recommended near property lines
- HOA rules
- Often restrictive, check covenants
- Aggressive colonies
- Must be requeened
Summary
Beekeeping is permitted in Herndon residential properties subject to state apiary registration and reasonable setback and hive placement to protect neighbors. Herndon follows Virginia State Apiarist standards under VA Code 3.2-4400 et seq.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Apiary" means any place where one or more colonies of bees are kept. "Appliance" means any apparatus, tool, machine, or other device used in the handling and manipulating of bees, honey, wax, hives, and hive parts and shall include containers used in transporting, processing, storing, or merchandising bees and bee products. "Bee" means the honeybee, Apis mellifera and genetic variations thereof, at any living stage; and may include other hymenopterous insects that depend on pollen and nectar for food. "Bee diseases" means departures from a sound state of health of bees characterized by visible symptoms including American foulbrood and any other diseases, insects, mites, or bee pests. "Bee equipment" means hives and hive parts including frames, supers, covers, bottom boards, and beekeeping apparel. "Brood comb" means the assemblage of cells containing any living stage of bees at any time prior to their emergence as adults. "Certificate of health" means a state-of-origin document prepared and signed by the State Apiarist or other authorized person declaring the bees, bee equipment, appliances, apiaries, and honey houses to be free of bee diseases. "Colony" means a queenright assemblage of social bees capable of reproducing. "Combless package" means a shipping container for transporting bees or queens. "Entry permit" means a state-of-destination document prepared by the State Apiarist or other authorized person authorizing the entry of bee equipment, appliances, and bees on combs into the Commonwealth. "Hive" means a box, skep, barrel, log gum, or other container used as a domicile for bees. "Honey house" means any building where honey for commercial use is extracted, graded, processed, packed, or stored.
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping is allowed in Herndon as an accessory residential activity, subject to Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services registration and management consistent with the Virginia Bee Law (VA Code 3.2-4400 et seq.). All beekeepers in Virginia must register apiaries with the State Apiarist. In Herndon, hives should be placed away from property lines, typically with at least 10 to 15 feet setback, and should face away from neighboring yards where possible. Flyway barriers such as 6-foot fences or hedges are recommended when hives are near property lines. Water sources should be provided on-site to prevent bees foraging at neighbor pools. Aggressive colonies must be requeened promptly. HOAs in many Herndon subdivisions restrict or prohibit hives; beekeepers should verify covenants. The Town may address complaints as a nuisance if hives cause recurring neighbor issues. Loudoun Beekeepers Association and Northern Virginia Beekeepers Association provide mentorship programs popular with Herndon residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a beehive?
Are urban beekeeping classes available?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Herndon
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How other cities in Fairfax County handle beekeeping.