Virginia Beach, VA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Beekeeping in Virginia Beach is governed primarily by Virginia state apiary law, Chapter 44 of Title 3.2 (Virginia Code §3.2-4400 through §3.2-4419), which preempts most local restrictions on residential beekeeping. Under VA Code §3.2-4401, the General Assembly declared beekeeping to be a valuable agricultural activity benefiting pollination and agriculture. VA Code §3.2-4414 specifically limits local authority: localities may regulate beekeeping for public health and safety but cannot outright prohibit residential beekeeping. All beekeepers in Virginia must register their apiaries with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) State Apiarist — registration is free and required within 30 days of establishing an apiary under VA Code §3.2-4404. VDACS inspects hives for diseases including American foulbrood and provides diagnostic services. Virginia Beach City Code and zoning generally permit beekeeping in residential districts without hive number limits, though best management practices recommended by the Virginia State Beekeepers Association and followed as de facto standards include: setback of at least 10 feet from property lines (more in dense residential); flyway barriers (6-foot solid fence or hedge) if hives are within 25 feet of property lines to force bees to fly upward; constant water source on the beekeeper's property to prevent bees from visiting neighbors' pools and birdbaths; requeen aggressive colonies promptly; limit hive numbers on small lots (typical guidance: 2 hives on lots under 0.25 acre, more on larger lots). Africanized honey bees are not established in Virginia, but aggressive European colonies should be requeened. Swarm reporting is encouraged — local beekeeper associations including Tidewater Beekeepers Association and Beekeepers Guild of Southeast Virginia collect swarms at no cost. HOA covenants commonly prohibit beekeeping regardless of state law; however, right-to-farm protections under VA Code §3.2-301 may apply in some cases. Agricultural districts (AG-1, AG-2) have no meaningful restrictions. Stinging incidents can create nuisance or liability concerns if colonies are improperly managed.