Bishop, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

No specific Inyo County beekeeping or apiary chapter was found in the County's animal code (Title 8) or zoning code. Beekeeping on residential property would generally be treated under the zoning code's animal-maintenance rules in Inyo County Code section 18.78.310, which allow keeping animals as an accessory use subject to nuisance and setback limits (shelters and structures no closer than five feet to a property line, with stream buffers of 10 feet in vegetated areas and 30 feet in non-vegetated areas), and which prohibit keeping animals in a manner that creates a public nuisance. The controlling registration requirement comes from state law. Under the California Food and Agricultural Code (Article 4, sections 29040 et seq.), every person who owns or possesses an apiary in California must register the number of colonies and the location of each apiary with the Agricultural Commissioner of the county where the apiary is located. Registration is due on January 1 each year, or within 30 days of that date or of coming into possession of the apiary, and carries a modest annual fee. This requirement applies to all beekeepers regardless of the number of hives or whether bees are kept as a hobby or commercially. Beekeepers should contact the Inyo County Agricultural Commissioner to register and confirm any local placement guidance.