Amador County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Amador County does not have a stand-alone beekeeping ordinance, but its zoning code (Title 19) treats beekeeping as an agricultural use. In the AG (agricultural) district, the County permits 'apiaries and honey extraction plants' without a use permit (Section 19.24.036(G)(18)), placing beekeeping among ordinary agricultural activities in that zone. The Animal Control Ordinance reinforces that bees are not treated as prohibited dangerous animals: Section 8.04.200(E) defines a 'wild animal' to include any species venomous to humans 'except honey-producing bees,' so honeybees are expressly carved out of the venomous-animal restriction. Other zoning districts (such as R1-A residential-agricultural) emphasize general farming and animal husbandry; beekeepers outside the AG zone should confirm their parcel's permitted uses with Amador County Planning. Beekeepers in California should also be aware of state apiary registration requirements administered through the County Agricultural Commissioner (California Food & Agricultural Code). Because this is a rural foothill county, small-scale and hobby beekeeping is common, but always verify your specific zoning district and any registration duties before placing hives.