Auburn, AL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

The City of Auburn does not publish a beekeeping-specific ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance section that limits animals (Section 501.03, Limitations on Animals) addresses dogs, chickens, livestock, and wild animals but contains no provisions on bees, hives, or apiaries, and no Auburn permit, hive cap, or setback for beekeeping is specified in that code. Beekeepers in Auburn are therefore primarily subject to Alabama state law. Under the Code of Alabama, Title 2, Chapter 14 (Honeybees and Apiaries), every beekeeper or person in possession of honeybees must register, on or before October 1 each year, every colony, bee yard, or apiary in their control with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, using forms that list the number and location of colonies (Section 2-14-3). Registration fees are tiered by colony count, beginning at $5 for 1 to 9 colonies. State law also restricts moving or shipping bees, combs, and used equipment without a permit and includes the 'no comb' provision (Section 2-14-4) to prevent disease spread. Because the city ordinance is silent, residents should also confirm any homeowners' association covenants and contact Auburn Planning to verify current local requirements.