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California Beekeeping Laws and Bee Rules: 2026 Guide

State registration, fees, hive-move deadlines, pesticide notice and bee removal licensing, with code sections, plus backyard rules for Los Angeles, San Diego and the Inland Empire.

By Eli the Bee Guy, live bee removal & relocation, Southern California · 73 sourced facts · Updated November 10, 2026

72 hoursDeadline to report a hive move (FAC §§29070, 29070.5)California Food and Agricultural Code
$10Annual registration fee for 1-9 colonies3 CCR §2951, 2025
1 mileRadius for pesticide applicator notice to beekeepers3 CCR §6983, 2022
2,500 sq ftLot area per hive allowed in the City of Los AngelesCity of Los Angeles, 2015

I remove bees alive from walls, roofs and other structures across the Inland Empire, Orange County and Los Angeles County, and I have worked with honey bees for over 15 years. People often ask me whether a backyard hive needs a permit, or whether the person taking bees out of their wall needs a license. This page collects the rules as written, with the code sections, so you can check them yourself.

State law covers registration, fees, hive moves, pesticide notice and nuisance hives. Cities and counties set the backyard rules: how many hives, how far from the property line, and what barrier and water you need. Those local rules vary a lot across Southern California.

This is general information, not legal advice. Codes change. Confirm current rules with your county agricultural commissioner and your city before you keep bees or hire anyone to remove them.

State law

Who must register bees in California

California's apiary registration rules sit in Food and Agricultural Code Division 13, Chapter 1, Article 4. They apply to every apiary, including a single backyard hive. There is no hobbyist exemption from registering, only a possible fee waiver.

Every owner, broker or possessor of an apiary in California must register the number of colonies and their locations by January 1 each year (Food and Agricultural Code §29040).

Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29040; CDFA 2026 apiary registration flyer
  1. Under §29040, anyone who is the owner, broker or in possession of an apiary in California must register the number of colonies in each apiary and each apiary's location by January 1 of each year. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29040)
  2. Under §29042, a person who moves bees into California, or acquires an apiary in the state after January 1, must register within 30 days, giving the owner's name and the number and location of colonies. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29042)
  3. Under §29043, registration is filed with the agricultural commissioner of the county where the apiary is located, on a single statewide form that also includes a request for pesticide notification. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29043)
  4. Under §29045, keeping an unregistered apiary is prohibited, and each registration is valid only until January 1 of the following year. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29045)
  5. CDFA's 2026 registration flyer states that registration is required in each county where apiaries are located, including for out-of-state beekeepers providing pollination services. (Source: CDFA, 2026 Apiary Registration flyer, 2025)
  6. CDFA's 2026 flyer states that registration is due January 1 of each year, or within 30 days of any person acquiring or moving bees into the state. (Source: CDFA, 2026 Apiary Registration flyer, 2025)
  7. Under §29041, apiary registration information is confidential and exempt from the California Public Records Act; it may be shared only with CDFA or a county agricultural department, with an exception letting apiary locations go to pesticide applicators under §29101. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29041 (as updated 2022))
  8. BeeWhere, the online registration system at beewhere.calagpermits.org, opened for the 2026 registration year on November 3, 2025, and CDFA states hive location information is kept confidential. (Source: CDFA/CalAgPermits, BeeWhere 2026 apiary registration updates, 2025)

The text of §§29040-29045 was read from a public mirror of the official code (california.public.law) because leginfo.legislature.ca.gov could not be reached when this page was checked; section numbers match CDFA's own citation of Division 13, §29040-29045.

Fees and penalties

Registration fees under 3 CCR §2951 (effective March 20, 2025)

The fee schedule is set by regulation, not by the statute. The current schedule was amended and became operative on March 20, 2025, and CDFA applied it starting with the 2026 registration year.

A backyard beekeeper with 1 to 9 colonies owes $10 a year under 3 CCR §2951, and some counties, including San Diego County, waive it.

Source: 3 CCR §2951 (2025); San Diego County 2026 Beekeeper Registration Notice
  1. Food and Agricultural Code §29044(a) caps the annual apiary registration fee at $250 and lets the secretary set the schedule, including late fees, by regulation. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29044)
  2. Under §29044(a), a county board of supervisors, with the secretary's approval, may waive the fee for hobbyists who keep nine or fewer colonies and are not in the beekeeping business. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29044)
  3. Under 3 CCR §2951, the annual fee is $10.00 for 1-9 colonies. (Source: 3 CCR §2951, amended 2025)
  4. Under 3 CCR §2951, the annual fee is $100.00 for 10-49 colonies. (Source: 3 CCR §2951, amended 2025)
  5. Under 3 CCR §2951, the annual fee is $250.00 for 50 or more colonies, and brokers pay a flat $250.00. (Source: 3 CCR §2951, amended 2025)
  6. The broker fee under 3 CCR §2951 is a flat annual rate regardless of the number of colonies managed and is valid through December 31 of each year. (Source: 3 CCR §2951, amended 2025)
  7. The amendments to 3 CCR §§2950-2952 were filed March 20, 2025 and became operative the same day (Register 2025, No. 12). (Source: 3 CCR §2951 history note)
  8. Under 3 CCR §2950, the fee is based on the largest number of colonies the person owned, possessed or controlled in California during the preceding 12 months. (Source: 3 CCR §2950, amended 2025)
  9. Under 3 CCR §2952, a penalty of one-half the amount due is added to payments that are 31 days past due. (Source: 3 CCR §2952, amended 2025)
  10. CDFA's 2026 flyer says fees are late on February 1 of each year, when a penalty of one-half the amount due is added. (Source: CDFA, 2026 Apiary Registration flyer, 2025)
  11. CDFA's BeeWhere 2026 update sheet gave the 2026 deadline as January 1, 2026, with late fees applied January 30, 2026. (Source: CDFA/CalAgPermits, BeeWhere 2026 apiary registration updates, 2025)
  12. San Diego County waives the $10 fee for 1-9 colonies; its 2026 letter says fees must be paid by January 31, and unpaid fees by February 28 may lead to exclusion from the BeeCheck notification program. (Source: San Diego County Dept. of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, 2026 Beekeeper Registration Notice (posted by UC ANR))
  13. Before the new schedule took effect, Los Angeles County's 2025 registration packet said no registration fees would be collected until the new fee schedule was finalized in regulation, and that not paying did not waive the duty to register. (Source: Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, 2025 Apiary Registration Information)
Colonies (prior 12 months)Annual fee (3 CCR §2951)How CDFA's 2026 sheet labels the tier
1-9$10.00 (county may waive)1-9 colonies, $10
10-49$100.0010-50 colonies, $100
50 or more$250.0051+ colonies, $250
Broker (flat rate)$250.00Broker fee, $250

Source: 3 CCR §2951 as amended March 20, 2025 (Cornell LII copy of the California Code of Regulations); CDFA/CalAgPermits BeeWhere 2026 updates sheet; San Diego County 2026 Beekeeper Registration Notice. Checked 2026-11-02.

Sources differ on tier edges and late dates. The regulation text (3 CCR §2951) reads 10-49 and 50+ colonies; CDFA's 2026 BeeWhere sheet and the San Diego letter print 10-50 and 51+. A beekeeper with exactly 50 colonies should confirm with the county. For the late date, 3 CCR §2952 says 31 days past due, CDFA's flyer says February 1, the BeeWhere sheet says January 30, 2026, and San Diego County says January 31.

72-hour rule

Moving hives: the 72-hour location updates

Registration also has to be kept current. California law requires beekeepers to report hive moves within 72 hours, whether the hives cross a county line or move within one county. BeeWhere is where most beekeepers make these updates.

Beekeepers must update hive locations within 72 hours of relocation, under Food and Agricultural Code §§29070 and 29070.5.

Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §§29070, 29070.5; CDFA BeeWhere 2026 updates
  1. Under §29070, a beekeeper moving colonies into a county where the apiary is not registered for the year must notify that county's commissioner within 72 hours of the first movement or entry. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29070)
  2. Under §29070, the operator must also notify the commissioner within 72 hours when the last colony leaves a county, and give colony locations to any commissioner on request. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29070)
  3. Under §29070.5, relocating a colony within a county where the apiary is registered requires notice to the commissioner within 72 hours of the relocation. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29070.5)
  4. CDFA's 2026 BeeWhere sheet tells beekeepers to report hive locations when registering and to update them whenever hives are moved, within 72 hours of relocation. (Source: CDFA/CalAgPermits, BeeWhere 2026 apiary registration updates, 2025)
  5. CDFA's 2026 BeeWhere sheet says one annual payment covers hives in multiple counties, but registration is still required in each county where bees are kept. (Source: CDFA/CalAgPermits, BeeWhere 2026 apiary registration updates, 2025)
  6. Under §29101(a), a beekeeper seeking pesticide notification must report a new apiary location, where feasible, within 72 hours before placing it and no later than 72 hours after. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29101)
  7. Under §29101(d), the county commissioner's processing of a beekeeper's location report shall not exceed 16 working hours from receipt. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29101)
  8. Los Angeles County's 2025 packet tells apiary operators to notify the commissioner within 72 hours of moving apiaries into, within or out of the county. (Source: Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, 2025 Apiary Registration Information)

Pesticides near hives

Pesticide applicator notice to beekeepers within 1 mile

Registered beekeepers can ask to be warned before pesticides labeled toxic to bees are applied nearby. The rules are in Food and Agricultural Code §§29101-29103 and DPR regulations at 3 CCR §§6980-6984, renumbered in 2022.

Before applying a pesticide labeled toxic to bees to a blossoming plant, an applicator must check for beekeepers within 1 mile who asked for notice and tell them at least 48 hours ahead (3 CCR §6983).

Source: 3 CCR §6983, operative January 1, 2022
  1. Under 3 CCR §6983, anyone planning to apply a pesticide labeled toxic to bees to a flowering plant must first ask the county commissioner, or a designated notification service, whether any beekeeper with hives 1 mile or less away has requested notice. (Source: 3 CCR §6983 (DPR), 2022)
  2. Under 3 CCR §6983, a beekeeper who requested notice must be notified at least 48 hours before the application, with the time and place, crop and acreage, method, active ingredients and dosage, and how to reach the applicator. (Source: 3 CCR §6983 (DPR), 2022)
  3. Under 3 CCR §6983, the commissioner may lengthen or shorten the 48-hour period, or the beekeeper and applicator may agree to a different period. (Source: 3 CCR §6983 (DPR), 2022)
  4. 3 CCR §6983 was renumbered from former §6654, filed December 30, 2021 and operative January 1, 2022. (Source: 3 CCR §6983 history note)
  5. Under 3 CCR §6982, a beekeeper requests notification when registering with the county under §29040, and the request expires on December 31 of each year. (Source: 3 CCR §6982 (DPR), 2022)
  6. DPR states that licensed pest control advisers and growers must check whether bee colonies will be present within one mile, and that they can meet this duty through BeeWhere. (Source: California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Pollinator Protection page)
  7. San Diego County calls this process a Bee Check: beekeepers within a one-mile radius are notified at least 48 hours before pesticides labeled toxic to bees are applied to blossoming plants. (Source: San Diego County Agriculture, Weights and Measures, Bee Check flyer)
  8. Under §29103, once an applicator has given the notice required by §29102(c) and follows the label, the applicator is not liable for injury to bees that enter the treated area. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29103)

Notification only reaches beekeepers who registered and asked for it. An unregistered hive gets no warning.

Nuisance and abatement

Abandoned hives, nuisance colonies and Africanized bees under state law

State law treats some hives as public nuisances and gives county agricultural commissioners power to abate them. Cities and counties may also write their own removal procedures for Africanized or defensive colonies.

An empty hive that bees can get into is a public nuisance under Food and Agricultural Code §29321.

Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29321 (as updated 2018)
  1. Under §29321, any hive or comparable apparatus that is accessible to bees but not occupied by a live colony is a public nuisance subject to abatement under Article 14. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29321)
  2. Under §29322(a), a city, county, or city and county may, by ordinance, establish procedures to abate a hive where Africanized or overly defensive honey bees are present. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29322)
  3. Under §29322(b), where no local ordinance exists, a county commissioner who determines that Africanized or overly defensive honey bees in a hive are a public nuisance may take any action necessary to abate it, including moving, selling, destroying or otherwise disposing of the hive. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29322 (as updated 2018))
  4. Under §29203, an inspector who finds an infestation in an apiary must give written notice and order abatement within a specified time, and may issue a hold order barring movement of the apiary. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29203)
  5. Under §29209, if the owner cannot be found or ignores the abatement notice, the inspector abates the problem within 72 hours after the deadline, and the apiary owner pays the cost. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29209)
  6. Under §29320, CDFA may approve voluntary statewide training for beekeepers, inspectors and commissioners, which can cover keeping colonies free of Africanized honey bees. (Source: California Food and Agricultural Code §29320 (as updated 2023))
  7. Los Angeles County's apiary packet notes that all municipalities have nuisance ordinances, even in areas that allow beekeeping. (Source: Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, 2025 Apiary Registration Information)
  8. Los Angeles County's packet advises (as guidance, not law) that bees may sting people 100 feet or more from the hive and that requeening with temperate queens helps prevent aggressiveness. (Source: Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, 2025 Apiary Registration Information)

No state statute sets backyard hive setbacks. Setbacks, hive limits and flyway barriers come from city and county ordinances.

Local ordinances

Is it legal to keep bees in Los Angeles, San Diego and nearby?

Backyard beekeeping is legal in the City of Los Angeles and the City of San Diego under specific rules. Older county rules in Riverside County and in some Inland Empire cities use large setbacks that most suburban lots cannot meet. The table lists each set of rules as written.

Since December 6, 2015, the City of Los Angeles has allowed backyard hives in single-family zones at one hive per 2,500 square feet of lot area.

Source: City of Los Angeles backyard beekeeping ordinance, CF 12-0785, effective December 6, 2015
  1. The City of Los Angeles ordinance allows backyard beekeeping in single-family zones RA, RE, RS and R1, effective December 6, 2015. (Source: City of Los Angeles, backyard beekeeping ordinance (CF 12-0785), 2015)
  2. In the City of Los Angeles, the beekeeper must be registered with the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner, and hives are limited to one for every 2,500 square feet of lot area. (Source: City of Los Angeles, LAMC 12.07 A.13, 2015)
  3. Los Angeles hives must sit at least 5 feet from front, side and rear lot lines and at least 20 feet from public rights-of-way or private streets, and not in the required front yard. (Source: City of Los Angeles, LAMC 12.07 A.13, 2015)
  4. Los Angeles requires either a six-foot wall, fence or hedge between hives and adjacent lots, or hives placed at least 8 feet above the adjacent lot's ground level, with entrances facing away from or parallel to the nearest lot line. (Source: City of Los Angeles, LAMC 12.07 A.13, 2015)
  5. Los Angeles requires a water source for bees on the property at all times. (Source: City of Los Angeles, LAMC 12.07 A.13, 2015)
  6. In the City of San Diego, apiaries with three or more hives must be at least 600 feet from a building used as a residence (other than the residence on the same premises) and 100 feet from the public right-of-way. (Source: City of San Diego Municipal Code §44.0408(a))
  7. In the City of San Diego, two or fewer hives must be outside required zone setbacks or 15 feet from the property line and 20 feet from public rights-of-way, whichever is greater, with a 6-foot barrier around the hive unless it is elevated at least 8 feet above grade. (Source: City of San Diego Municipal Code §44.0408(b))
  8. The City of San Diego requires hives in apiaries of two or fewer to be requeened at least once every two years. (Source: City of San Diego Municipal Code §44.0408(b)(8))
  9. The City of San Diego requires a water supply within 10 feet of each apiary, with a float valve or similar device, and registration with the county within 30 days of establishing an apiary. (Source: City of San Diego Municipal Code §§44.0416 (water), 44.0404 (registration))
  10. City of San Diego's beekeeping division was added in 1977 (O-12084) and amended by O-20137, effective March 23, 2012. (Source: City of San Diego Municipal Code Ch. 4 Art. 4 Div. 4)
  11. San Diego County's ordinance for unincorporated areas sets Tier A at 1-2 colonies per apiary location, with up to 5 allowed on a temporary basis (up to 30 calendar days) to prevent swarming; Tier B is 3-20 colonies and Tier C more than 20. (Source: San Diego County Code §62.906, Ord. 10927 (N.S.), eff. Jan. 10, 2025)
  12. In unincorporated San Diego County, Tier A hives must be 25 feet from roads and 35 feet from neighboring dwellings. (Source: San Diego County Code §§62.907-62.908, Ord. 10927 (N.S.), eff. Jan. 10, 2025)
  13. San Diego County requires a 6-foot vertical flyover barrier for Tier A or B apiaries with 20 or fewer colonies within 300 feet of a neighboring dwelling in a residential area. (Source: San Diego County Code §62.914, Ord. 10927 (N.S.), eff. Jan. 10, 2025)
  14. San Diego County requires each colony to be inspected at least once a month, and treats a hive as abandoned if the owner does not contact the commissioner within 30 calendar days of a posted notice. (Source: San Diego County Code §§62.913 (inspection), 62.902(a) (abandonment), Ord. 10927 (N.S.), eff. Jan. 10, 2025)
  15. San Diego County's ordinance says required abatement methods for hives with undesirable behavior may include, but are not limited to, relocation, requeening and destruction; its definition of undesirable behavior includes characteristics of Africanized honey bees. (Source: San Diego County Code §§62.902(r), 62.923)
JurisdictionHive limitSetbacksFlyway barrierWaterRequeeningSourceChecked
City of Los Angeles (RA, RE, RS, R1 zones)1 hive per 2,500 sq ft of lot5 ft from lot lines; 20 ft from streets; not in required front yard6 ft wall, fence or hedge, or hive 8 ft above adjacent gradeRequired at all timesNot addressedLAMC 12.07 A.13, effective Dec. 6, 20152026-11-02
City of San DiegoNo cap; rules split at 2 or fewer vs 3 or more hives3+ hives: 600 ft from a residence (other than one on the same premises), 100 ft from right-of-way; 2 or fewer: outside zone setbacks or 15 ft from property line and 20 ft from right-of-way, whichever is greater6 ft barrier around hive unless hive is 8 ft above grade (2 or fewer hives)Within 10 ft, with float valveAt least every 2 years (2 or fewer hives)SDMC §§44.0404-44.04162026-11-02
San Diego County (unincorporated)Tier A 1-2 (up to 5 for up to 30 days), B 3-20, C more than 20Tier A: 25 ft from roads, 35 ft from neighboring dwellings, 25 ft from property lines6 ft flyover barrier for Tier A/B within 300 ft of a neighboring dwelling in residential areasFresh water available at all timesListed as an abatement method for undesirable behaviorSDCC §§62.902-62.923 (Ord. 10927 N.S., eff. Jan. 10, 2025)2026-11-02
Riverside County (unincorporated)Not stated300 ft from public roads; 500 ft from dwellings or businesses unless owner/occupant permitsBarriers near schools and gathering places (no height)Within 300 ft if no natural sourceNot addressedOrd. 551 (1975), amended 551.1 (1989)2026-11-02
City of Yucaipa (San Bernardino County)Not stated100 ft from public roads; 200 ft from freeways; 500 ft from dwellings unless occupant permitsBarriers near schools and gathering places (no height)Within 100 yards if no natural sourceNot addressedYucaipa Municipal Code Ch. 6.182026-11-02

Sources: Los Angeles Ordinance (CF 12-0785, LAMC 12.07 A.13), City of San Diego Municipal Code Ch. 4 Art. 4 Div. 4, San Diego County Code Ch. 62 (Ord. 10927 N.S., eff. Jan. 10, 2025, county-posted copy), Riverside County Ordinance 551 as amended by 551.1, Yucaipa Municipal Code Ch. 6.18. Date checked: 2026-11-02 for all rows.

San Diego County's ordinance covers only unincorporated areas; incorporated cities follow their own rules. Orange County city codes (Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana) and the Cities of Riverside, San Bernardino and Ontario could not be verified from official code pages for this edition, so they are not in the table. Check your city's municipal code or planning department before setting up a hive.

Inland Empire

Riverside County and San Bernardino County area rules

The Inland Empire rules found on official code sites date from an older model. They set setbacks in hundreds of feet, which effectively rules out hives on most small residential lots unless neighbors give permission.

Riverside County's ordinance for unincorporated areas requires apiaries to be 300 feet from public roads and 500 feet from dwellings or businesses unless the owner or occupant permits.

Source: Riverside County Ordinance 551, as amended by 551.1 (1989)
  1. Riverside County Ordinance 551 applies to apiaries in the unincorporated territory of Riverside County; it was adopted June 10, 1975 and amended by 551.1 effective May 25, 1989. (Source: Riverside County Ordinance 551 / 551.1)
  2. Riverside County requires apiaries to be at least 300 feet from any public road. (Source: Riverside County Ordinance 551, Sec. 2A)
  3. Riverside County requires apiaries to be at least 500 feet from the nearest dwelling or place of business unless that structure's owner or occupant gives permission. (Source: Riverside County Ordinance 551, Sec. 2B)
  4. Riverside County requires a plentiful supply of fresh water within 300 feet of the apiary if no natural source is accessible. (Source: Riverside County Ordinance 551, Sec. 4)
  5. The City of Yucaipa requires apiaries to be at least 100 feet from public roads, 200 feet from freeways, and 500 feet from the nearest inhabited dwelling unless the occupant permits. (Source: Yucaipa Municipal Code §6.18.025)
  6. Yucaipa requires a watering place within 100 yards of the apiary if no natural stream or reservoir is closer. (Source: Yucaipa Municipal Code §6.18.030)
  7. If bees cause a public nuisance in Yucaipa, the code enforcement officer may require the apiary to be removed within 48 hours of notice, but the city may not destroy any bees or apiary. (Source: Yucaipa Municipal Code §§6.18.025, 6.18.040)

The Riverside County text was read from a county-hosted PDF marked 'as amended through 551.1'. Later amendments, if any, were not found. Confirm current rules with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner or the planning department for your parcel.

Bee removal

Does bee removal require a license in California?

Business and Professions Code §8555 lists activities to which the structural pest control licensing chapter does not apply. Subdivision (g) and the insurance section it cites, §8692, are quoted below as written. County and UC guidance on pesticide use follows.

Business and Professions Code §8555 states: "This chapter does not apply to:" ... (g) "Persons engaged in the live capture and removal or exclusion of vertebrate pests, bees, or wasps from a structure without the use of pesticides, provided those persons maintain insurance coverage as described in Section 8692."

Source: California Business and Professions Code §8555(g) (as updated 1996)
  1. Business and Professions Code §8550(a) makes it unlawful to advertise, offer or engage in structural pest control without a license under the chapter. (Source: California Business and Professions Code §8550 (as updated 2019))
  2. Business and Professions Code §8555(g), in full, reads: "Persons engaged in the live capture and removal or exclusion of vertebrate pests, bees, or wasps from a structure without the use of pesticides, provided those persons maintain insurance coverage as described in Section 8692." The subdivision continues: "Vertebrate pests" include, but are not limited to, bats, raccoons, skunks, and squirrels, but do not include mice, rats, or pigeons. (Source: California Business and Professions Code §8555(g) (as updated 1996))
  3. Business and Professions Code §8692(a) defines the required insurance policy as one providing "minimum limits of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for any one loss due to bodily injury, sickness, or disease, including death at any time resulting therefrom, sustained by any person, and five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) minimum for any one loss due to injury or destruction of property, including the loss of use of the property." (Source: California Business and Professions Code §8692 (as updated 2014))
  4. Los Angeles County's Agricultural Commissioner states that live bee removal does not require a State Pest Control Business License, while removals that use pesticides require a valid license whose type depends on the site. (Source: Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, 2025 Apiary Registration Information)
  5. UC ANR's San Diego County beekeeping program states that only licensed pest control businesses can legally apply pesticides for bee removal. (Source: UC ANR, Beekeeping in San Diego County, FAQs)
  6. UC ANR's San Diego County program also states it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove a swarm or nest of bees on private property. (Source: UC ANR, Beekeeping in San Diego County, FAQs)

The text of §§8550, 8555 and 8692 was read from a public mirror of the official code (california.public.law) because leginfo.legislature.ca.gov could not be reached when this page was checked. No California statute found assigns bee removal costs between landlords and tenants. The UC ANR statement about property owners is extension guidance, not a statute.

Disclaimer

General information, not legal advice

This page summarizes California statutes, regulations and local ordinances as posted on official or mirror sites on November 2, 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create any professional relationship. Ordinances are amended and county practices differ. For a decision about your property, check the current code and contact your county agricultural commissioner, your city planning department, or a licensed attorney.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to register one backyard beehive in California?

Yes. Food and Agricultural Code §29040 requires every owner or possessor of an apiary to register colony numbers and locations by January 1 each year, and §29042 requires registration within 30 days of acquiring bees. Registration is filed with your county agricultural commissioner, usually through BeeWhere. Under 3 CCR §2951 the fee for 1-9 colonies is $10, and some counties, including San Diego County, waive it.

How much does beekeeping registration cost in California in 2026?

Under 3 CCR §2951, operative March 20, 2025: $10 for 1-9 colonies, $100 for 10-49, $250 for 50 or more, and a flat $250 for brokers. The fee is based on the largest colony count in the previous 12 months (3 CCR §2950). A late penalty of one-half the amount due applies under 3 CCR §2952. CDFA's 2026 sheet prints the tiers as 10-50 and 51+, so confirm edge cases with your county.

Is it legal to keep bees in Los Angeles?

Yes, in single-family zones RA, RE, RS and R1, since December 6, 2015. The city allows one hive per 2,500 square feet of lot area, 5 feet from lot lines and 20 feet from streets, behind a 6-foot wall, fence or hedge or raised 8 feet, with water provided at all times. You must also register with the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner.

Do I have to report it when I move my hives?

Yes. Food and Agricultural Code §29070 requires notice within 72 hours when colonies enter a new county or the last colony leaves one, and §29070.5 requires notice within 72 hours of a move inside a county. CDFA tells beekeepers to update BeeWhere within 72 hours of relocation.

Does bee removal require a license in California?

Business and Professions Code §8555 says the structural pest control licensing chapter does not apply to: (g) “Persons engaged in the live capture and removal or exclusion of vertebrate pests, bees, or wasps from a structure without the use of pesticides, provided those persons maintain insurance coverage as described in Section 8692.” Section 8692 sets “minimum limits of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for any one loss due to bodily injury, sickness, or disease, including death at any time resulting therefrom, sustained by any person, and five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) minimum for any one loss due to injury or destruction of property, including the loss of use of the property.” The Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner states that live bee removal does not require a State Pest Control Business License, and that any use of pesticides requires a valid State Pest Control Business License.

Will I be told before pesticides are sprayed near my hives?

Only if your hives are registered and you asked for notice. Under 3 CCR §6983, an applicator using a product labeled toxic to bees on blossoming plants must check for beekeepers within 1 mile who requested notice and notify them at least 48 hours ahead. Under 3 CCR §6982, the request expires December 31 each year.

Keep reading

How this page was made

Methodology & sources

Every fact on this page was traced to a primary source (a government data release, a university research or extension publication, a professional medical body or a peer-reviewed paper) and checked against the original document. Data years are given where they differ from publication years. Where reputable sources disagree, both figures are shown. Sources are named in plain text next to each fact.

  • California Food and Agricultural Code (Division 13)
  • California Code of Regulations, Title 3 (§§2950-2952, 6982-6983)
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
  • BeeWhere / CalAgPermits
  • California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
  • California Business and Professions Code (Structural Pest Control Act §§8550, 8555, 8692)
  • Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures
  • San Diego County Agriculture, Weights and Measures
  • UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), San Diego County beekeeping program
  • City of Los Angeles
  • City of San Diego Municipal Code
  • San Diego County Code
  • Riverside County Ordinance 551
  • City of Yucaipa Municipal Code