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Fresno County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: CA Food & Agricultural Code Division 13 - Bee Management →

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Key Facts

State Law: CA F&A §29040
Registration: Fresno Ag Commissioner
Zones: Allowed in AE, AL, RR
Industry: Critical for almond pollination

City-specific rules exist: Sanger, Fresno, Clovis, Selma, and Reedley have their own beekeeping rules that differ from Fresno County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Beekeeping is broadly permitted in Fresno County's agricultural and rural zones with apiary registration under CA Food & Ag Code §29040. Commercial beekeepers must register with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner annually.

Full Breakdown

Per CA Food & Ag Code §29040, apiary owners must register each January with the county agricultural commissioner. Fresno County is a major bee-pollination hub for Central Valley almond, stone fruit, and citrus growers. Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner oversees hive registration, identification, and theft prevention. Residential-zone beekeeping may require conformance to setback and hive-count limits in residential-rural (RR) zones.

Violations & Fines

Failure to register with Ag Commissioner: civil penalty up to $1,000 under state law. Unregistered apiaries ineligible for theft/loss recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my backyard hives?

Yes. California law requires all apiary owners to register annually with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner, regardless of hive count.

Can hives be kept on residential lots?

Beekeeping is permitted in agricultural and most rural-residential zones. Smaller urban-residential lots in unincorporated areas may have setback requirements.

How does Fresno County compare?

See how Fresno County's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.

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Fresno County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Fresno County Ordinances

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Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers

Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones

Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions

Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules

Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits

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