Citrus Heights, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- Annual, F&A §29040
- Typical Limit
- 2 hives on small lots
- Setback
- 5 ft from property line
- Flyway Barrier
- 6 ft within 25 ft of neighbor
- Honey Sales
- Cottage Food Law AB 1616
Summary
Beekeeping in Citrus Heights is permitted on residential lots subject to Sacramento County apiary siting standards and California Food & Agricultural Code §29040 registration with the county agricultural commissioner. Hives must be set back from property lines and provided with water to prevent neighbor conflicts.
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.
Full Breakdown
Citrus Heights follows Sacramento County practice on apiary regulation. California Food & Agricultural Code §29040 requires all beekeepers to register apiaries annually with the county agricultural commissioner by January 1 of each year, regardless of hive count. Within residential zones, typical standards include: a maximum of 2 hives on lots under 10,000 square feet, hives set back at least 5 feet from property lines, flyway barriers (6 ft fence or shrub) if hives are within 25 feet of a neighbor's outdoor area, and a constant water source on the beekeeper's own property to prevent bees foraging for water at neighbor pools. Aggressive colonies (Africanized genetics) must be requeened. Honey sales from the home are permitted under the California Cottage Food Law (AB 1616/AB 1753) with proper registration. Varroa mite management and pesticide coordination with Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner is encouraged.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered apiary: $100+ per CDFA schedule. Nuisance hive (aggressive, no water): abatement order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my backyard hive?
Can I sell honey from home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Citrus Heights
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle beekeeping.