Fullerton, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 6.24 and the city's zoning regulations address beekeeping on residential properties. Keeping bees in residential zones is subject to conditions designed to minimize impacts on neighbors, including hive placement, setbacks from property lines and public areas, and limits on the number of colonies. Hives should be placed in rear yards away from neighboring dwellings, property lines, and public sidewalks. A flyway barrier (fence, hedge, or screen) at least 6 feet tall may be required near hive entrances to direct bee flight paths upward and away from neighboring properties. An adequate water source must be provided on the property to prevent bees from seeking water on neighboring properties. Beekeepers should maintain gentle bee stock and requeen with docile genetics as needed. Africanized honeybee concerns in Southern California make gentle stock maintenance especially important. Bees must not constitute a public nuisance through excessive swarming or aggressive behavior. California state law (Food and Agricultural Code) also regulates beekeeping including registration with the county agricultural commissioner. Orange County Agricultural Commissioner registration may be required for beekeepers. Bee swarm removal for established colonies is typically handled by professional beekeepers or pest control operators. Wild swarms on public property may be reported to city maintenance.