Bellflower, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 17.16 (SF Single Family Zone) allows beekeeping, but only of the Apis Mellifera species and only on a lot developed with one single-family dwelling. The code sets out specific management standards: hives must be screened with landscaping materials such as shrubs, or with solid fencing material such as wood, vinyl, or block, at least six feet in height, so that bees must fly over the barrier before leaving the property. A water source for the bees must be provided on the property at all times to discourage the bees from visiting swimming pools, hose bibs, and other water sources on neighboring properties. Hives must be continually managed to provide adequate living space for the colony in order to prevent swarming, and the queen bee in a colony must be replaced with a younger, more productive queen at least once every two years to reduce the likelihood of swarming. These zoning standards work alongside the California Apiary Protection Act (Food and Agricultural Code Division 13), which requires apiary registration with the county agricultural commissioner. Africanized and non-Apis-Mellifera bees are not authorized under the city standard.