Bishop, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Beekeeping allowed
- No, prohibited
- Hive status
- Declared a nuisance
- Permit path
- None inside city
- Code section
- BMC 6.08.110
- Enforcement
- Nuisance abatement
Summary
Bishop prohibits beekeeping outright. Municipal Code 6.08.110 makes it unlawful to keep or harbor any bees in the city and declares any beehive used or occupied by bees a nuisance. There is no residential hive allowance inside city limits.
It is unlawful to keep or harbor any bees in the city, and any beehive used or occupied by bees is a nuisance, and it is unlawful to keep or maintain any such hive in the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Unlike many California cities that permit backyard hives, Bishop bans them. Municipal Code 6.08.110 states it is unlawful to keep or harbor any bees in the city, that any beehive used or occupied by bees is a nuisance, and that it is unlawful to keep or maintain any such hive in the city. Because this is an absolute prohibition, there is no permit, colony cap, or setback that legalizes hobby beekeeping within Bishop's city limits. Residents interested in keeping bees would need to do so on land outside the incorporated city, subject to Inyo County rules and California apiary registration requirements.
Violations & Fines
A prohibited hive is a nuisance the city council may abate under BMC 6.08.130-.140: the owner is notified to abate within ten days, and abatement costs become a lien on the property if the city must act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in Bishop?
Is there a permit for hives in Bishop?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bishop
California rules heatmap·Compare Bishop to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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