Minimum active hives: 5on the first 5
qualifying acres

2026 guidelines

Qualifying bee acreage: 5–20 acres

Land used for qualifying beekeeping, with the approved acreage shown separately.

Time on the property: 7 months

Active colonies on the property.

A “bee exemption” is usually 1-d-1 open-space agricultural appraisal of qualifying land. Your records support the actual beekeeping taking place there.

The local hive schedule

Qualifying acreage.
Active colonies.

Add one hive for each complete additional five acres.

Kerr County acreage and active-hive schedule
Qualifying acres	Active hives
5 to under 10	5
10 to under 15	6
15 to under 20	7
20	8

Beyond the hive count

What Kerr wants to see.

Additional acreage: One per 5 acres

Only complete additional five-acre units count.

Time on the property: 7 months

Colonies must be active on the property.

District worked example: 14.6 acres: 6 hives

The remaining fraction does not add another hive.

Kerr starts at five hives.

Kerr's 2026 guidelines require five colonies on the first five qualifying acres. Add one hive for each complete additional five acres, reaching eight on 20 acres. The hives must be active on the property for at least seven months.¹⁹

The district's worked example uses six hives for 14.6 acres because the remaining fraction does not add another hive. Keep the actual qualifying acreage in your records rather than rounding the tract up to the next five-acre step. Where vegetation is limited, the guide also calls for flowering plants to support the hives.

Keep with the year’s records

Records for your Kerr property

Actual qualifying acreage, without rounding
Active colony counts and movement dates
Inspection notes and replacement records
Forage planting records where vegetation is limited

Visit the appraisal district

Records and reporting support

Already have your bee exemption?

We help organize your beekeeping records and prepare county-requested documentation for $99 a year. Tell us about your Kerr County property to get started.

Get started now$99/year · Support by email

A few Kerr County questions.

What hive count is listed for Kerr County?

The district guide lists 5 active hives on the first five qualifying acres. Add one hive for each complete additional five acres.

Can my beekeeper’s records be part of the packet?

Yes. Keep dated service notes that identify your Kerr County property, the active-colony count, and the work completed. Add the relevant agreement or lease.