Minimum active hives: 6on the first 5
qualifying acres

District guide; file hosted 2023

Qualifying bee acreage: 5–20 acres

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

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.

One additional hive for each additional 2.5 acres.

The table shows whole-step examples. Keep the actual qualifying acreage in your records.

San Saba County acreage and active-hive schedule
Qualifying acres (examples)	Active hives
5	6
7.5	7
10	8
12.5	9
15	10
17.5	11
20	12

Beyond the hive count

What San Saba wants to see.

Active operation: Living, maintained hives

Equipment alone does not show the beekeeping use.

Limited forage: Flowering vegetation

Keep records of planting that supports the apiary.

Published progression: 20 acres: 12 hives

The six-hive baseline increases in 2.5-acre steps.

San Saba's bee guide addresses forage as well as hive numbers.

San Saba's published beekeeping guide begins at six hives on five acres and adds one hive for each additional 2.5 acres, reaching 12 on 20 acres. The guide requires living, maintained hives and addresses planting flowering vegetation where forage is limited.³⁷

Keep records of any forage planting with the hive photos and inspection notes. A dated map makes it easier to relate the planted area to the apiary and show how the operation is supported through the year.

Keep with the year’s records

Records for your San Saba property

Active-colony counts and inspections
Forage planting records and dated map
Hive photographs and beekeeper service notes

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 San Saba County property to get started.

Get started now$99/year · Support by email

A few San Saba County questions.

Is a count of empty hive boxes enough?

The district's guide describes hives that are maintained and kept alive.

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

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