South Carolina Statewide Rule
South Carolina Beekeeping and Apiary Inspection Rules
Key Facts
- Statute
- SC Code Title 46, Ch. 37
- Administering agency
- Clemson Dept. of Plant Industry
- Hive registration
- Voluntary
- Out-of-state bees
- Certificate and entry permit required
Summary
South Carolina regulates the movement and disease inspection of honey bees under Title 46, Chapter 37, administered by Clemson's Department of Plant Industry. Bees brought into the state need an inspection certificate and entry permit, but general hive registration is voluntary.
(A) Notwithstanding any local law or ordinance, an agricultural operation or facility is considered to be in compliance with the local law or ordinance if the operation or facility would otherwise comply with state law or regulations governing the facility or operation. With the exception of new swine operations and new slaughterhouse operations, to the extent an ordinance of a unit of local government: (1) attempts to regulate the licensing or operation of an agricultural facility in any manner that is not identical to the laws of this State and regulations of the Department of Health and Environmental Control and amendments thereto; (2) makes the operation of an agricultural facility or an agricultural operation at an agricultural facility a nuisance or providing for abatement as a nuisance in derogation of this chapter; or (3) is not identical to state law and regulations governing agricultural operations or agricultural facilities, is null and void.
Full Breakdown
SC Code Title 46, Chapter 37 (Introduction of Honey Bees Into State) authorizes the Department of Plant Industry at Clemson University to inspect apiaries, control bee diseases, and regulate the movement of bees and used equipment. Colonies and used hive fixtures moving into South Carolina must carry a certificate of inspection from the origin state and obtain a Clemson entry permit. Inspectors may examine hives for American foulbrood and other regulated diseases and order treatment or destruction of infected or Africanized colonies. Statewide hive registration is voluntary; Clemson keeps a voluntary apiary registry mainly to warn beekeepers of nearby pesticide applications. Local zoning may add setbacks or hive limits.
Violations & Penalties
Moving diseased bees, importing without a certificate or entry permit, or refusing inspection can result in quarantine orders and destruction of infected colonies under Department of Plant Industry authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my beehives in South Carolina?
Can cities ban beekeeping in South Carolina?
Sources
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