Highland, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit tier
- conditional use permit under HMC § 16.44.040(F)
- Minimum hive distance
- 400 feet
- Distance measured from
- streets, roads, highways, public schools, parks, occupied dwellings
- Exempt dwelling
- the owner or caretaker of the apiary
- Applies to
- parcels used for residential purposes, in any district
- Existing apiary
- legal nonconforming use under HMC § 16.08.150
Summary
In the City of Highland, California, an apiary is listed among the animal uses that need a conditional use permit. Hives and boxes must sit at least 400 feet from any street, road, highway, public school, park, or occupied dwelling other than the home of the owner or caretaker, under Highland Municipal Code § 16.44.040(F)(2).
F. Animals Permitted Subject to Conditional Use Permit. ... ... 2. Apiary (Beekeeping). Hives and/or boxes shall be placed a minimum of 400 feet from any street, road, highway, public school, or park or any occupied dwelling except the owner or caretaker of the apiary.
Full Breakdown
Highland Municipal Code § 16.44.040(F) lists the animals permitted subject to a conditional use permit, and apiary (beekeeping) is item 2. That places beekeeping in a heavier tier than dogs, cats, horses, poultry and goats, which are permitted uses or need only a department review permit. A conditional use permit is processed as provided for in Chapter 16.08 HMC.
The separation rule is the number that decides most sites: hives and boxes shall be placed a minimum of 400 feet from any street, road, highway, public school, or park or any occupied dwelling except the owner or caretaker of the apiary. The text names five things to stay away from, and the only dwelling exempted from the 400-foot distance is the owner's or caretaker's own.
The animal keeping standard applies to every parcel used for residential purposes. HMC § 16.40.040 says animals kept on parcels utilized for residential purposes, whether or not the parcels are in a residential district, must comply with § 16.44.040 as well as the regulations of the residential district. The section's intent clause lists insect infestation among the adverse impacts on adjacent properties that animal keeping uses must not create, along with dust, noise, odor, fumes, bright light, and visual blight.
In the Open Space district use table, Table 16.28.020.A, apiaries in accord with the provisions of HMC § 16.44.040 carry the symbol DR, meaning a department review permit, while § 16.44.040(F) places apiaries in the conditional use permit list. Confirm the permit type with the community development department before filing.
A legally established apiary that became nonconforming when the title was adopted can continue as a legal nonconforming use under subsection C if it meets the criteria in HMC § 16.08.150.
Violations & Fines
An apiary placed closer than the printed distance, or run without the required permit, violates Title 16. That title is enforced by law enforcement officers, the city attorney, the code compliance officer, the building official and the community development director under HMC § 16.04.040. Once a nuisance is found, the owner is notified and directed to abate it, remedies are cumulative, and attorneys' fees can be recovered by the prevailing party where the city chose to seek its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in the City of Highland?
How far must beehives be from neighbors in Highland?
What kind of permit does an apiary need in Highland?
Are existing beehives grandfathered in Highland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Highland
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