Virginia Beekeeping Registration and Right to Farm

Virginia Code Title 3.2, Chapter 44 governs beekeeping, including the State Apiarist program, inspections, and disease control. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services maintains a registration program for hive locations. Production beekeeping in agriculturally zoned areas is protected from special use permit requirements under the Right to Farm Act (Va. Code 3.2-301). Residential beekeeping in non-agricultural zones is left to local zoning, but localities cannot unreasonably restrict agricultural operations. There is no statewide hive setback or count limit for residential keepers.

Penalties for violating apiary inspection or disease-control orders vary by section.