                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

ABANDONED APIARIES (§ 3.2-4411)

The State Apiarist may deem an apiary to be abandoned if: (i) the bees and hives
show evidence of a period of neglect exceeding one year; and (ii) the owner of
the apiary has not been identified through a reasonable search of available
records. If the State Apiarist deems an apiary to be abandoned, he shall certify
his findings in a declaration of abandonment to the treasurer of the locality
where the apiary is located. The treasurer shall give notice of such
certification to the last known owner of the apiary and the owner of the land
upon which the apiary is located by personal service, by posting at last known
residence, or by publication. If after 60 days, the owner or landowner has not
laid claim to the apiary, the treasurer may hold a sheriff&#8217;s sale, issue a
treasurer&#8217;s deed to the successful bidder, and deposit any proceeds into
the general fund of the locality. If disposition is not made within 90 days of
the date of the declaration of abandonment, the State Apiarist may take
possession of the apiary and destroy the related bees, hives, and equipment.

HISTORY: 1972, c. 499, § 3.1-610.18; 2008, c. 860.