Rock County sets no countywide beekeeping ordinance. Hives are allowed on agricultural land and are governed by local zoning in the towns (Wis. Stat. 59.69) and by each city or village. Wisconsin's right-to-farm law protects established apiaries.
There is no Rock County ordinance specifically regulating backyard beehives. In the unincorporated towns, apiaries fall under the county zoning ordinance adopted per Wis. Stat. 59.69; agricultural districts readily permit hives while residential districts may limit or condition them. Inside cities and villages, beekeeping is governed by municipal zoning, which may set hive counts, setbacks from lot lines, and water-source or flyway-barrier requirements. Wisconsin's right-to-farm statute (Wis. Stat. 823.08) shields established beekeeping operations from nuisance actions. Beekeepers should also register apiaries with the state Department of Agriculture (DATCP) where required.
Hives kept in violation of local zoning are a municipal zoning violation subject to abatement orders and citations; no separate county penalty applies.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Rock County, WI
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