Buena Park, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Hive cap
- 4 hives per RS-zoned lot
- Permit
- Ministerial permit required first
- Setback
- 10 feet from any property line
- Restricted sites
- No hives next to schools/parks
Summary
Buena Park allows up to four hives on RS-zoned residential lots, but only with a ministerial permit, a 10-foot setback, and no shared property line with a school, daycare, or park.
Unless otherwise permitted by conditional use permit, not more than 4 bee hives shall be permitted within any RS-zoned property subject to the following development and operational standards:
1. The number of hives fluctuates slightly depending on the season; properties found with more than four hives will first be issued a warning to reduce the number of hives prior to initiating further enforcement actions.
2. Hives may be located in the side or rear yard but must be a minimum of ten feet from any property line.
3. Parcels that share a common property line with a School, licensed childcare facility, or park shall not be permitted to keep bees.
4. No property may keep bees without first obtaining a ministerial permit from the Community and Economic Development Department.
5. Each application for beekeeping shall be on a City-provided form and shall include the following information and documentation:
a. The property address where beekeeping is proposed.
b. Property owner authorization.
c. A site plan showing the location on the parcel where the beehives will be located and the required six-foot tall fence/wall/hedge around the property or apiary.
d. The location of the on-site water source.
e. Self-attestation that the applicant has completed a training/certification course on beekeeping.
6.
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping is allowed on RS-zoned residential property in Buena Park, capped at four hives per parcel, but a property owner must first get a ministerial permit from the Community and Economic Development Department, complete a beekeeping training course, and provide a site plan showing the hive location, an on-site water source, and a six-foot fence, wall, or hedge around the apiary. Hives must sit in the side or rear yard at least 10 feet from any property line, and no bees are allowed on a lot that shares a property line with a school, licensed childcare facility, or park.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees without a permit, exceeding four hives, or keeping bees next to a school, daycare, or park can draw a warning and further enforcement action from the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my Buena Park backyard?
Where can hives be placed on the lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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