San Marcos, TX Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Max hives per lot
- 4
- Setback from property line
- 30 feet
- Water source distance
- Within 20 feet
- Notice required
- Written, to animal services director
Summary
San Marcos allows backyard honey bee hives only under strict setback, count, and water-source conditions, with written notice to the city required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep or allow bees, their hives, or any abandoned hives within the city limits, except honey bees may be kept if all of the following conditions are met: (1) All hives shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any property line and enclosed in a fenced area; (2) There shall be no more than four hives per city lot; (3) There is an adequate source of water within 20 feet of all hives; (4) The owner notifies the animal services director, in writing, of the location and number of hives in his possession.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
Keeping bees or hives is unlawful in San Marcos except for honey bees kept under four conditions: hives must sit at least 30 feet from any property line inside a fenced area, no more than four hives are allowed per city lot, an adequate water source must sit within 20 feet of every hive, and the keeper must notify the animal services director in writing of hive location and count. Refusing an animal services inspection of bees, premises, or equipment is itself a violation under the same section.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted or non-compliant hives, and refusing an inspection request from animal services, are violations under Chapter 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in San Marcos city limits?
Does San Marcos inspect hives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview
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