Rock Hill, SC Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Chapter 6 of the Rock Hill Code regulates dogs, cats, and dangerous animals but does not list bees among the species controlled by the City. The default regulatory floor is therefore the South Carolina Apiary Law in Title 46, Chapter 37 of the South Carolina Code. Section 46-37-10 prohibits the shipment or movement of bees or used beekeeping fixtures into South Carolina without a certificate of inspection signed by the state entomologist, state apiary inspector, or corresponding official of the state or country of origin, confirming apparent freedom from contagious and infectious diseases within 60 days of shipment, and an entry permit from the South Carolina Department of Plant Industry at Clemson University. Section 46-37-30 grants the Director of the Division of Regulatory and Public Service Programs authority to inspect any apiary in the state for diseases including American Foulbrood and Varroa mite, and to order treatment or destruction of infected colonies. Section 46-37-40 requires Division permission before importing used hive equipment. Section 46-37-50 establishes that violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500 or imprisonment up to six months. Hive placement in Rock Hill remains subject to the City's general nuisance authority and Chapter 20 (Offenses) provisions: a hive that becomes aggressive, swarms repeatedly, or threatens public safety can be cited as a nuisance. Best-practice setbacks, water-source provision, and re-queening of defensive colonies are recommended by Clemson Cooperative Extension and the South Carolina Beekeepers Association. Hobby beekeepers in Rock Hill commonly affiliate with the Beekeeping Society of Rock Hill for local guidance.