Napa County permits beekeeping under Chapter 6.12 (Beehives) of the County Code, enacted by Ordinance 1377. Apiaries must use movable-frame hives in sound condition and be screened from neighboring dwellings and public walkways. All beekeepers must register hives annually with the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agricultural Code §29040.
Chapter 6.12 of the Napa County Code governs beekeeping in unincorporated Napa County. The chapter was revised by Ordinance 1377 to balance hobbyist apiculture with neighbor protection. Hives must consist of movable-frame construction in sound and usable condition. Apiaries must be screened from neighboring dwellings and public walkways — typically through a six-foot solid fence, hedge, or natural barrier that redirects bee flight paths above head height. The chapter does not preempt state law: California FAC §29040 requires annual registration of all apiaries on January 1 with the county where the bees are kept. Napa County waives the $10 registration fee for hobbyist beekeepers. The Agricultural Commissioner is empowered to enter any premises where bees are kept to verify compliance. Hive placement, watering, and swarming management are also subject to state apiary law administered by CDFA.
Failure to screen apiaries or to maintain hives in usable condition is enforced by the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner under Chapter 6.12. Failure to register hives annually violates California FAC §29040 and may result in state-level penalties. Nuisance complaints from neighbors may trigger inspection and abatement orders.
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