Forest County Council revises residential zoning to allow urban beekeeping

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors convened on April 14, 2025, at 7 p.m. to discuss several key zoning and regulatory issues affecting the community. The meeting focused primarily on amendments to residential zoning classifications and regulations regarding beekeeping.

The first significant topic addressed was the classification of residential zones, specifically the R-1 and R-2 districts. Supervisors discussed the implications of these classifications on lot sizes, with R-1 designated for one-acre lots and R-2 allowing for half-acre lots. The discussion highlighted that areas such as Waterlick Road and Thomas Jefferson Road fall under R-2, while other regions, including parts of Hawkins Mill and Cotton Town Road, are classified as R-1. The board reached a consensus on maintaining these classifications, with R-2 permitting half-acre lots and R-1 requiring one-acre lots.

Following the zoning discussions, the board turned its attention to regulations concerning beekeeping. A proposal was made to align local regulations with state guidelines, which are perceived to be less restrictive. The state code allows for beekeeping on properties of varying sizes, with specific limits on the number of colonies based on the size of the lot. The board debated the necessity of maintaining local restrictions versus adopting the state code as the baseline for beekeeping regulations.

Supervisors expressed a desire to simplify the regulations, suggesting that the county should adopt the state code to avoid unnecessary restrictions on residents wishing to keep bees. The discussion emphasized the importance of allowing beekeeping in residential zones while ensuring that the practice remains manageable and regulated. The board agreed to amend the existing ordinance to reflect these changes, allowing beekeeping in residential areas as long as the property has a single-family home.

In conclusion, the meeting resulted in a clear direction for both zoning classifications and beekeeping regulations. The board's decisions aim to balance community development with the interests of residents, promoting a more accommodating environment for both housing and agricultural practices within Bedford County. Further actions will be taken to formalize these amendments in upcoming sessions.