Beekeeping is permitted in most Alameda County zones with setback and hive-count limits. Keepers must register with the County Agricultural Commissioner under CA Food and Agricultural Code 29040.
Alameda County allows beekeeping on residential and agricultural parcels subject to county zoning and state registration. Typical residential rules permit up to 2 hives on lots under 10,000 square feet and additional hives on larger parcels, with hives set back at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines and at least 10 feet from front property lines or public rights-of-way. Flyway barriers (6-foot fences or vegetation) are required when hives are within 25 feet of property lines to force bees upward. California F&A Code 29040 requires all apiaries to be registered annually with the County Agricultural Commissioner. Water sources must be provided on the beekeeper property to reduce neighbor nuisance. Africanized bee protocols apply if aggressive colonies are identified.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle beekeeping.
See how Castro Valley's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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