Nashville permits backyard beekeeping under Chapter 8.12 (Miscellaneous Animal Control Regulations) and the Metro Zoning Code. Hives must be setback from property lines and neighbors must be considered. Registration with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is required by state law.
Backyard beekeeping is allowed in Nashville. Metro Code Chapter 8.12 governs miscellaneous animal regulations including beekeeping. Tennessee requires all beekeepers to register hives with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Hive placement must consider neighboring properties; a flyway barrier (6-foot fence or dense hedge) is required near property lines to direct bee flight above pedestrian level when hives are within 10 feet of a property boundary. Urban beekeeping is popular in Nashville, with multiple local clubs (Nashville Area Beekeeping Association) providing resources. Metro Codes can investigate complaints about aggressive colonies.
Nuisance colony complaints handled by Metro Codes. State TDA registration violations enforceable by TDA inspectors.
Nashville, TN
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