San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Road setback
- 100 ft from public roads
- Freeway setback
- 200 ft from freeways
- House setback
- 500 ft without permission
- Registration
- annual, with Ag Commissioner by Jan 1
- First-offense fine
- $50-$100 infraction
Summary
Unincorporated San Bernardino County requires apiaries to sit 100 feet from public roads, 500 feet from houses, and be registered yearly with the Agricultural Commissioner.
All apiaries owned or kept within the unincorporated area of the County of San Bernardino shall be located at least 100 feet from all public roads (traveled portions) and at least 200 feet from all freeways, unless there are natural barriers to prevent bees from causing a nuisance or hazard to persons using the road or freeway.
(c) All apiaries owned or kept within the unincorporated area of the County of San Bernardino shall be located at least 500 feet from houses or buildings, unless the owner of the apiary first obtains permission from the occupant or person in charge of the house or building.
(d) All apiaries owned or kept within the unincorporated area of the County of San Bernardino within 500 feet of school yards or places where people congregate shall be located and maintained behind barriers (natural or otherwise) of at least six feet in height.
(e) No apiary shall be maintained or allowed in the unincorporated area of the County of San Bernardino if there are substantial numbers of bees from such apiary which are entering land other than where such apiary is situated and are causing a public nuisance to the extent that the health, safety or welfare of the public is endangered or property is damaged.
(f) No person shall maintain an apiary on premises other than his or her residence unless the apiary is identified by a sign that is prominently displayed on the entrance side of the apiary or stenciled on the hive that
Full Breakdown
County Code Chapter 32.09 sets hard setbacks for apiaries in the unincorporated area: 100 feet from traveled public roads (200 feet from freeways) unless natural barriers block bees, and 500 feet from houses or buildings absent the occupant's written permission. Within 500 feet of schools or gathering places, hives need a 6-foot barrier. Owners must register colonies and location with the Agricultural Commissioner every January and pay an annual fee, and hives away from the owner's own residence need a posted ID sign with owner name, address, and phone.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered or improperly sited apiaries can be declared a public nuisance and ordered abated by the Agricultural Commissioner or Environmental Health Services; violators face an infraction fine of $50-$100 for a first offense, up to $200 for a second, and a misdemeanor for a third.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
How close can a hive be to my neighbor's house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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