Beekeeping is permitted in Huntsville on residential lots subject to setback and hive count limits typical of Alabama cities. Alabama State Apiarist registration through Auburn University is recommended. HOAs in newer subdivisions may impose additional restrictions.
Beekeeping is legal in Huntsville under Chapter 6 and the Zoning Ordinance. Typical requirements: hives set back 10-25 feet from property lines and at least 25 feet from dwellings on adjacent lots, water source on the owner's property to discourage bees from visiting neighbors' pools, and a 6-foot flyway barrier (fence or hedge) if hives are within 10 feet of a property line. Standard residential lots may keep 2-4 hives; larger lots may keep more. Alabama Apiary Inspection law (Ala. Code Sec. 2-14-1 et seq.) and Ala. Admin. Code 80-1-17 require hive registration with the State Apiarist, administered through Auburn University (334-844-3160). No city permit fee. HOA covenants in Hampton Cove, Jones Farm, and some newer Redstone Arsenal-adjacent subdivisions may restrict hives. Alabama is a beekeeper-friendly state; the honey bee is the official state insect.
Non-compliant setback/hive count: cure notice then fines up to $500/day per Huntsville Code Sec. 1-8. Unregistered hives may face state inspection penalties. Neighbor-nuisance suits resolvable in Madison County Circuit Court.
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville generally allows overnight on-street parking in residential neighborhoods subject to the 24-hour movement rule. Downtown and posted zones prohibit...
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville allows RV and boat parking on residential property but restricts street storage to 72 hours. RVs must be parked on paved or gravel surfaces in sid...
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville limits on-street parking to 24 hours in most residential areas and 2 hours in downtown business districts. Parking meters enforced 8 AM-5 PM weekd...
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public property over 72 hours or private property over 10 days without owner consent. Inoperable vehic...
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW from parking in residential zones overnight. Tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and construction equ...
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville has wildland-urban interface areas near Monte Sano, Green Mountain, and Madison County forested zones. AFC monitors fire danger and issues county ...
See how Huntsville's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.