Santa Clara County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- 1–3 colonies
- 100 ft, or 25 ft with barrier
- 4–20 colonies
- 100 ft setback
- 20+ colonies
- 300 ft from property lines
- Notice to Agricultural Commissioner
- within 5 days
Summary
Beekeepers in unincorporated Santa Clara County must set hives back 25 to 300 feet from property lines and roads depending on colony count, and must notify the Agricultural Commissioner before moving bees into the county.
(a)An apiary containing one to three colonies shall be placed either:(1)A minimum of 100 feet from all property lines and public roadways; or(2)Twenty-five feet from all property line and roadways only if an effective flight dispersing barrier is constructed and maintained.(b)An apiary containing four to 20 colonies shall be placed a minimum of 100 feet from all property lines and public roadways.(c)An apiary containing more than 20 colonies shall be placed a minimum of 300 feet from all property lines and 100 feet from all public roadways. (Ord. No. NS-300.705, § 3, 1-14-03; Ord. No. NS-300.911, § 3, 11-14-17)
Sec. B29-13. - Water supply. Every person maintaining an apiary shall maintain an adequate and accessible supply of fresh water available at all times, including at a reasonable time prior to introducing new colonies. If the location on which the apiary is located does not contain a sufficient natural water supply, the person maintaining the apiary shall provide one or more water containers or water sources. The water supply shall provide landing sites for the bees to drink without drowning, prevent undue competition, and minimize over-crowding. The water source shall not become stagnant or a mosquito breeding site.
(Ord. No. NS-300.705, § 3, 1-14-03; NS-300.911, § 4, 11-14-17)
Sec. B29-14. - Identification of premises.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Santa Clara County regulates where apiaries can sit in the unincorporated area based on colony count. One to three colonies need a 100-foot setback from property lines and roads, or just 25 feet if a six-foot flight-dispersing barrier is built and maintained. Four to 20 colonies need a 100-foot setback with no barrier option. More than 20 colonies require 300 feet from property lines and 100 feet from roads. Beekeepers must also give the Agricultural Commissioner written notice within five days of moving bees into or within the county, provide a water source, and post identifying signage at the apiary.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an apiary closer than the required setback, or failing to correct a violation within 48 hours of written notice, is a misdemeanor the County can also address through an injunction or abatement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
What if my lot is too small for the standard setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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