Garden Grove, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Beehives citywide
- prohibited, no exceptions
- Applies in
- all zones, including residential
- Permit or CUP path
- none exists for hives
- First violation
- infraction under Sec. 6.04.060(A)
- Repeat violation within 1 year
- misdemeanor
- Enforcing official
- Animal Care Services Director
Summary
Garden Grove outright bans beehives citywide. Municipal Code Section 6.04.020(A)(4) states plainly that beehives are prohibited within the corporate city limits, with no residential-zone exception, permit path, or hive-count allowance carved out anywhere else in Chapter 6.04's animal-keeping rules. The Animal Care Services Director enforces the ban alongside the chapter's other keeping limits.
3. No person shall keep or maintain any animals that are detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare. ... 4. Beehives. Beehives shall be prohibited within the corporate City limits.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4903654; v10 updated 2026-05-12).
Full Breakdown
04 as the city's prohibitions on roosters and livestock, and unlike fowl, parakeets, or racing pigeons, which the code allows in limited numbers with a 25-foot enclosure setback, beehives receive no such carve-out anywhere in the animal-keeping provisions. 020(A)(6)(e). 04 under subsections (C) and (E), including issuing notices to appear in court for violations, and is authorized under subsection (F) to inspect property to confirm compliance. 060(B). 060(C).
Violations & Fines
A first beehive violation is an infraction under Municipal Code Section 6.04.060(A). If the property owner commits the violation again within one year of two other separate Chapter 6.04 violations, it becomes a misdemeanor under Section 6.04.060(B). Each day the hive remains after a code enforcement notice is a separate offense under Section 6.04.060(C), and the Director may inspect the property to verify removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a beehive in my backyard in Garden Grove?
Is there any way to get a permit for beekeeping in Garden Grove?
What happens if code enforcement finds a hive on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garden Grove
California rules heatmap·Compare Garden Grove to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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How other cities in Orange County handle beekeeping.