Buena Park, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Beekeeping in Buena Park is authorized under Municipal Code Section 19.348.050.B as part of the City's 2024 urban-homesteading amendments. Unless otherwise permitted by a conditional use permit, no more than four beehives are allowed within any RS-zoned (single-family) property, subject to development and operational standards: a maximum of four hives (with seasonal fluctuation allowed); hives may be located in the side or rear yard but must be a minimum of ten feet from any property line; parcels that share a common property line with a school, licensed childcare facility, or park are not permitted to keep bees; and no property may keep bees without first obtaining a ministerial permit from the City. Each beekeeping application must include the property address with owner authorization, a site plan showing the beehive locations and the required six-foot-tall fence, wall, or hedge around the property or apiary, and the location of the on-site water source. The applicant must also self-attest to completing a training or certification course on beekeeping. The Voice of OC reported the City Council approved keeping up to four hives unanimously on August 13, 2024. The Director may impose additional site-specific requirements and may deny, suspend, or revoke a permit for violations.