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Beekeeping added to Culpeper draft code; local beekeeper urges protections and training
Summary
Draft UDO includes new beekeeping standards. A longtime local beekeeper thanked staff for consultation but opposed introducing the section; staff removed numerical hive limits and added a 24‑hour swarm retrieval requirement and encouragement for training.
The draft unified development ordinance for the Town of Culpeper includes a new section regulating beekeeping, and the Planning Commission agreed to review the proposed language again after public comment.
Planning Director Andrew Hopewell said beekeeping language changed following a planning commission work session and staff meetings with local beekeeper Felicia Chavez. The draft removes a numeric limit on hives by lot size and adds a safety requirement that a beekeeper retrieve swarms that locate off‑site within 24 hours. The introduction encourages new beekeepers to take training courses and to follow state standards and best practices.
Chavez told the commission she has taught beekeeping classes for 11 years and that local beekeepers follow established practices. She warned about sharp statewide colony declines, citing an approximate 64% loss of honey bee hives in Virginia in recent years and expressing concern about future losses. "We really, really depend on what they bring to the table," Chavez said, urging that the town support responsible beekeeping.
Commissioners indicated they remained split on whether to retain a beekeeping section in the UDO; some members asked staff to bring the refined language back for further review at the work session. Hopewell said staff met with Chavez, adjusted the language to remove per‑lot numeric caps, and added the 24‑hour swarm retrieval requirement to respond to safety concerns.
The planning director characterized the changes as intended to balance public safety and pollinator protection: "We have removed the number of hives limitation...the site will largely dictate that itself as well as the state standards and best beekeeping practices," Hopewell said. Several commissioners asked for one more look at the section before the commission finalizes its comments to town council.
