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Henrico County, VA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County bee ordinance
None
County permit
Not required
State protection
Va. Code 3.2-4411.1
Best practices
2VAC5-319-30 (VDACS)
Local limits
Zoning Ch. 24 / HOA

Summary

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.

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

A person who operates an apiary in a reasonable manner, in compliance with local zoning restrictions, and in conformance with the written best management practices as provided by regulation of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall not be liable for any personal injury or property damage that occurs in connection with his keeping and maintaining of bees.

View official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep bees in Henrico County?
Yes. There is no county beekeeping ordinance. Keeping honeybees is generally allowed subject to zoning, and Virginia law (Sec. 3.2-4411.1) protects compliant beekeepers from liability.
What rules should I follow?
Follow the state's written best management practices (2VAC5-319-30) for hive placement, barriers and water, comply with your zoning district under Chapter 24, and check any HOA covenants.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Henrico County rules

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