Keeping honey bees is lawful in Norfolk, and Virginia requires no permit or mandatory registration to keep hives. State oversight under the Virginia Bee Law applies mainly to moving or selling bees across state lines.
Beekeeping is legal in Norfolk and lightly regulated. Virginia's Bee Law, Virginia Code Section 3.2-4400 et seq., is administered by the State Apiarist within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, but it does not require a permit or mandatory registration simply to keep bees; registration through VDACS is voluntary. The binding state rules govern commerce: a certificate of health is needed to sell bees on comb or used equipment, and an entry permit is required to bring bees on comb into Virginia. Norfolk keepers should site hives well inside the property with a water source and a flyway barrier to steer bees above head height near lot lines.
Selling or importing bees on comb without the required certificate of health or entry permit violates the Virginia Bee Law. A hive that becomes a nuisance can be abated under Norfolk's animal and nuisance code.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk lets residents put up holiday decorations on private property without a permit. Displays just cannot block sidewalks or sight lines, create fire or e...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk allows small temporary signs to advertise a yard or garage sale on private property, but bars them from the public right-of-way, utility poles, and t...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk treats political yard signs as temporary signs under its zoning ordinance and cannot regulate their message. Signs are allowed on private property wi...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk runs rental inspection districts under Va. Code 36-105.1:1 and City Code Chapter 36.1. Rental homes in designated older neighborhoods must pass a cod...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk follows the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, not a local just-cause law. Landlords must give written notice and sue in court; a month-to...
Norfolk City, VA
Norfolk has no rent control, and it legally cannot enact any. Virginia is a strict Dillon's Rule state, so no locality may cap rent without the General Assem...
See how Norfolk City's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.