Leander, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 2.03.007
- Buffer distance
- 500 feet from a neighboring residence
- Consent required from
- All occupants of the affected residence
- Own residence
- No consent needed near keeper's own home
- Max fine
- $500.00 (Sec. 2.01.005), per-day offense
- Enforced by
- Animal services officers and police (Sec. 2.01.003)
Summary
Leander bars anyone from constructing, placing or maintaining a beehive within 500 feet of a neighboring residence without the occupants' consent, under Section 2.03.007 of the Code of Ordinances. The Code separately notes that a beehive tract of three acres or more changes that distance calculation, though the keeper still needs consent from any residence closer than 500 feet outside that acreage.
No person shall construct, place or maintain any beehive within 500 feet of any residence other than that of the owner except with the consent of the occupants of all such residences. A tract or parcel of land where the bees are kept or enclosed that is three acres or more in size.
Full Breakdown
007, titled "Keeping bees," reads in full: "No person shall construct, place or maintain any beehive within 500 feet of any residence other than that of the owner except with the consent of the occupants of all such residences. 03, "General Requirements for Keeping Animals," inside Chapter 2, Animal Control, of the Leander, Texas Code of Ordinances, and it applies citywide regardless of which Williamson or Travis County side of the city limits the hive sits on. 009 makes the appendix A fee schedule applicable to any related administrative costs.
The 500-foot buffer runs from "any residence other than that of the owner," meaning a keeper does not need a neighbor's consent to keep bees near the keeper's own home, only near residences belonging to others, and consent must come from "all" occupants of an affected residence, not just the property owner.
Violations & Fines
Placing an unconsented beehive within 500 feet of a neighbor's residence is enforced under Chapter 2's general penalty, Section 2.01.005: a fine of up to $500.00, with each day the hive remains in place counted as a separate offense. Animal services officers or police may cite the keeper after investigating a complaint, and repeat violations can draw enhanced municipal court fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can a beehive be to my neighbor's house in Leander?
Do I need my own family's consent to keep bees near my own house?
Does owning three acres exempt me from the consent requirement?
Who enforces the Leander beekeeping rule and what is the penalty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Leander
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Williamson County handle beekeeping.