Humble, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Local Ordinance
- No specific beekeeping ordinance
- State Registration
- Required with TAIS
- Hive Limit
- No local limit set
- Setback Required
- None specified locally
- Africanized Bees
- Present in Houston region
Summary
Humble does not have a specific local beekeeping ordinance. Texas state law governs apiary management through the Texas Apiary Inspection Act (Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131). Residents may keep bees on residential property subject to state registration requirements and general nuisance provisions in the Humble Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 131.045. BEEKEEPER REGISTRATION. (a) Each beekeeper in this state may register on an annual basis with the chief apiary inspector. A registration under this section expires August 31 following the date the registration is issued. (b) A registration must include: (1) information required by the chief apiary inspector; and (2) the county or counties in which the beekeeper operates. (c) The inspector may require a beekeeper to submit with the registration information a map showing the exact location of each of the beekeeper's apiaries. (d) The chief apiary inspector may charge a fee for each registration issued under this section.
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping in Humble is regulated at the state level under the Texas Apiary Inspection Act (Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131). The Texas Apiary Inspection Service (TAIS) administered by Texas A&M requires beekeepers to register hives and allows inspectors to examine colonies for disease. Humble's municipal code does not impose additional restrictions on hive numbers, setbacks, or lot size minimums specific to beekeeping. However, the city's general nuisance ordinance may apply if bees create a hazard or disturbance to neighbors. Property owners should maintain hives with adequate water sources on site to prevent bees from seeking water on neighboring properties.
Texas does not require hobbyist beekeepers to obtain a local permit, but hives must be registered with TAIS. The state imposes no limit on the number of colonies, though best practice for residential lots in the Houston metro area is typically 2 to 4 hives. Africanized honey bee concerns in the Houston region mean beekeepers should requeen regularly with European stock and maintain gentle colonies.
Violations & Fines
No specific local beekeeping penalties exist in Humble's code. If bees are deemed a public nuisance under general nuisance provisions, code enforcement may order abatement. Failure to register with TAIS can result in state-level penalties. Aggressive or swarming colonies that endanger public safety may be removed by animal control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Humble?
How many beehives can I have on my residential property?
What if my neighbor complains about my bees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Humble
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Humble to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle beekeeping.