Lassen County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Beekeeping in unincorporated Lassen County is addressed by Chapter 8.20 (Apiaries) within Title 8 of the County Code, in addition to statewide apiary law. Under California's Food and Agricultural Code (Division 13, Apiary Protection, beginning around section 29000), every person who owns or possesses bees in California must register their apiary with the County Agricultural Commissioner, and registration is required regardless of the number of hives — even a single colony triggers the requirement. The state now centralizes this through the BeeWhere registration system; registration is generally due by January 1 each year or within 30 days of acquiring bees, and helps protect colonies during pesticide applications. Beyond registration, hive placement, setbacks and any local conditions are governed by the County's Chapter 8.20 and by zoning; agricultural and rural-residential parcels in this ranching county are generally well suited to keeping bees. Because the exact hive-placement and setback language sits in Chapter 8.20 and may carry conditions, beekeepers should review that chapter and confirm details with the Lassen County Agricultural Commissioner's office before siting hives, particularly near property lines or neighboring dwellings.