Prince William County, VA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Zoning Sec. 32-300.02
- Hives by right
- Four or less, any lot
- 5+ hives
- 10,000 sq ft + 2,500/hive
- Water source
- Within 50 feet of hives
- Flight barrier
- 6 ft, if within 10 ft of line
Summary
Prince William County permits up to four beehives as an accessory use on any residential lot. Additional hives require extra lot area, plus an on-site water source and a flight-path barrier where hives sit close to a lot line (Zoning Sec. 32-300.02).
The keeping of honeybees in four beehives or less shall be permitted as an accessory use to a residential principal use on any lot. On any lot of 10,000 square feet in size or larger, more than four beehives may be kept, provided there is an additional lot area of 2,500 square feet for each hive.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 46 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
The county's Zoning Ordinance allows keeping honeybees in four beehives or less as an accessory use to a residential principal use on any lot. On lots of 10,000 square feet or larger, more than four hives may be kept if there is an additional 2,500 square feet of lot area for each hive. In all cases, one adequate and accessible water source must be provided on-site within 50 feet of the hives. If a hive's landing platform faces and is within ten feet of any lot line, a flight-path barrier (a fence, structure, or plantings at least six feet high) must be located in front of the hive. Virginia also encourages beekeeping statewide under its apiary law.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the hive count for your lot size, or failing to provide the required water source or flight-path barrier, is a zoning violation enforced by PWC Zoning Administration through notices of violation and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep in Prince William County?
Do I need a barrier around my hives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
Compare Prince William County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.