Beekeeping use added to Bedford Co. residential districts [Video]

BEDFORD — Just more than a dozen zoning text amendments to Bedford County’s zoning ordinance, including general standards for urban beekeeping in residential districts, received the county board of supervisors’ approval Monday.

The new regulations state urban beekeeping is a permitted “accessory use” by-right use for single-family homes in residential, R-1 and R-2, and planned residential development (PRD) districts. The maximum number of hives are four on three acres or more, three on two acres to no less than three acres and two on fewer than two acres, according to county documents.

Jordan Mitchell, director of community development, said such regulations for beekeeping are not required in agricultural zoning districts where many county residents live.

Supervisor John Sharp asked Mitchell if urban beekeeping would be considered not a legal, permitted use in those residential districts if the board didn’t pass the new amendment, to which the reply was yes.

“I …