Vienna, VA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Fact
- 10-foot property-line setback typical
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- VDACS annual registration mandatory statewide
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- Flyway barrier required if hives close to property lines
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- On-property water source required
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- HOAs may prohibit beekeeping
Summary
Beekeeping is permitted in Vienna as an accessory residential use, subject to setback requirements and the Virginia State Apiarist registration under VA Code 3.2-4400 et seq. Hives must be located at least 10 feet from property lines, and all beekeepers must register annually with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Apiary" means any place where one or more colonies of bees are kept. "Appliance" means any apparatus, tool, machine, or other device used in the handling and manipulating of bees, honey, wax, hives, and hive parts and shall include containers used in transporting, processing, storing, or merchandising bees and bee products. "Bee" means the honeybee, Apis mellifera and genetic variations thereof, at any living stage; and may include other hymenopterous insects that depend on pollen and nectar for food. "Bee diseases" means departures from a sound state of health of bees characterized by visible symptoms including American foulbrood and any other diseases, insects, mites, or bee pests. "Bee equipment" means hives and hive parts including frames, supers, covers, bottom boards, and beekeeping apparel. "Brood comb" means the assemblage of cells containing any living stage of bees at any time prior to their emergence as adults. "Certificate of health" means a state-of-origin document prepared and signed by the State Apiarist or other authorized person declaring the bees, bee equipment, appliances, apiaries, and honey houses to be free of bee diseases. "Colony" means a queenright assemblage of social bees capable of reproducing. "Hive" means a box, skep, barrel, log gum, or other container used as a domicile for bees. "Honey house" means any building where honey for commercial use is extracted, graded, processed, packed, or stored.
Full Breakdown
5 zones. , which requires all beekeepers to register annually with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) State Apiarist. Town setback requirements typically require hives to be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from public rights-of-way, with a flyway barrier (fence, hedge, or structure at least 6 feet tall) between hives and adjacent properties if the 10-foot setback is not adequate to direct bee flight. A water source must be provided on the beekeeper's property to prevent bees from seeking water at neighbors' pools and bird baths.
The number of hives is not strictly capped but must not create a nuisance; 2 to 4 hives on a typical Vienna lot is reasonable. Africanized honey bee colonies must be reported and requeened with European genetics. HOAs in Vienna may impose stricter rules or prohibit beekeeping entirely, so residents should check covenants. Neighbor notification is a best practice though not legally required. Swarms must be reported to VDACS. Virginia offers beekeeping tax credits and equipment grants for new beekeepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hives can I have in Vienna?
Do I have to tell my neighbors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vienna
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fairfax County handle beekeeping.