Brentwood, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Ag zones
- No hive limit
- Residential limit
- Typically 2-4 hives
- Setback
- 10-20 ft from property line
- State registration
- CCC Ag Commissioner (§29040)
- Water source
- Required on-property
Summary
Beekeeping is permitted in Brentwood on agricultural and most residential lots, with hive setback requirements from property lines and registration with the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food & Ag Code §29040. Brentwood's orchard agriculture makes beekeeping especially compatible.
29040. Every person that is the owner, broker, or is in possession of an apiary that is located within the state, on the first day of January of each year, shall register the number of colonies in each apiary that is owned or possessed by the person and the location of each apiary. Every person required to register under this article, shall do so on the first day of January of each year in which they maintain, possess, or are in possession of an apiary, or within 30 days thereafter, as prescribed in this article. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 683, Sec. 7. (AB 719) Effective January 1, 2023.)
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping (apiculture) in Brentwood is governed by BMC Title 17 zoning provisions and state Food & Agricultural Code. On agricultural (A-zoned) parcels, beekeeping is permitted by right with no hive limit. On residential parcels, beekeeping is allowed subject to setback and number-of-hives limits (commonly 2 hives on lots under 10,000 sq ft, 4 hives on larger lots). Hives must typically be set back 10-20 feet from property lines, and a water source must be provided on the beekeeper's property to discourage bees from congregating at neighbors' pools. All beekeepers in California must register with their County Agricultural Commissioner annually under Food & Ag Code §29040 and pay a small fee (typically $10-25/year). Hives must be registered within 30 days of acquisition. Registration supports the state's pesticide-notification program that protects bees from nearby agricultural spraying. Brentwood's extensive orchards and farms create strong forage conditions and partnerships with commercial pollination services are common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell my neighbors before keeping bees?
How do I register hives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brentwood
California rules heatmap·Compare Brentwood to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle beekeeping.