Folsom, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- Sac County Ag Commissioner
- State Law
- CA F&A §29040
- Setback
- 20 ft property line
- Hive Limit
- 2 small lot / 4 larger
- Flyway Barrier
- 6 ft required
Summary
Beekeeping is allowed in Folsom's residential zones subject to setback and hive limit rules. Apiaries must register annually with the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner under CA Food & Ag Code §29040. Typical setback: 20 feet from property lines; water source and flyway barrier required.
29040. 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. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 683, Sec. 7. (AB 719) Effective January 1, 2023.)
Full Breakdown
Folsom Municipal Code (Title 17 Zoning) permits beekeeping as an accessory use in R-1 residential zones subject to performance standards. Typical limits: maximum 2 hives on lots under 10,000 sq ft, up to 4 hives on larger lots; hives must be set back at least 20 feet from property lines and 50 feet from a dwelling on an adjoining lot. A 6-foot flyway barrier (solid fence or dense vegetation) is required between the hive and any property line within 25 feet. Water must be provided on-site to discourage bees from seeking neighbor pools. Beekeepers must register with the Sacramento County Ag Commissioner (free, annual) per CA Food & Ag Code §29040 and post hive location. Africanized hybrid colonies must be requeened or removed.
Violations & Fines
Zoning violation: $100-$500 administrative citation. Unregistered apiary: Ag Commissioner fines up to $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Folsom?
What if a neighbor has a pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Folsom
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle beekeeping.