3 rules for unincorporated Nevada County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Section L-II 3.4 of the Land Use & Development Code allows backyard chickens (hens only, no roosters) in the R1 and RA zoning districts. Hen counts range from 4 to 12 depending on parcel size. Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from any property line and at least 30 feet from any adjacent residence. Roosters, guinea hens, and loud exotic varieties are prohibited.
Nevada County Code Title 8 prohibits any dog or other animal from being 'at large' off its owner's premises. An animal is deemed at large when it is off the owner's property and not under direct control by leash, chain, tether, adequate fence, or other effective device. Violations carry impoundment, redemption fees, and administrative penalties.
Beekeeping is broadly allowed in unincorporated Nevada County. Hobbyist apiaries with fewer than 10 hives pay no County registration fee (Board Resolution 93-393, July 28, 1993). All apiaries must be registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture through the BeeWhere portal as of January 1, 2025. Commercial apiaries are capped at 48 hives per location during nectar flow (May 15 - October 15) and must keep a 2-mile buffer between new commercial locations.
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