Indio, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

We found no beekeeping-specific provision in Indio's adopted Animal Control Ordinance (Chapter 92, from Riverside County Title 6), which deals with dogs, cats, kennels, and dangerous/wild animals rather than bees. Where hives may be placed in Indio is governed by the City's zoning code (the Unified Development Code adopted by Ordinance No. 1782), which sets permitted uses and setbacks by zone; residents should confirm hive allowances and any setback requirements for their parcel with the Indio Community Development Department. Statewide rules apply regardless of local zoning: under California Food and Agricultural Code § 29040, every person who owns or possesses an apiary located in the state on January 1 must register the number of colonies and each apiary's location with the agricultural commissioner of the county where the bees are kept (Riverside County for Indio). New beekeepers, or those moving bees into the state after January 1, must register within 30 days. A modest annual registration fee applies, though hobbyists with nine or fewer hives that are not in the business of beekeeping are exempt from the fee but must still file the form. Registration helps the county locate beekeepers to warn them before nearby pesticide applications.