Irvine, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Under Zoning Ordinance Sec. 1. Sec. 3-41-4 sets the operating standards: allowable species is limited to Apis mellifera (Western honey bee), the lot must total at least 2,400 square feet, and no more than two Langstroth beehives are allowed. Hives must sit in the rear yard behind side-yard fencing, be secured from unauthorized access, be screened from the adjacent street, and comply with the property's underlying building setback standards. A front-yard gate/fence sign no larger than 12"x24" reading text such as "Warning: Active Beehive" is mandatory.

General Code Sec. 2-39-3 governs the permit application filed with the Community Development Department: a site plan (City Form 41-10) showing hive location and setbacks, a signed acknowledgements form, proof of notification to abutting neighbors, HOA acknowledgement where applicable, a deposit/fee set by City Council resolution, proof of completion of a beekeeping course, and registration with the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner under Food and Agricultural Code Sec. 29040-29056. The Director of Community Development approves applications (Sec. 2-39-4); permits expire one year after final approval and must be renewed before expiration (Sec. 2-39-6). City staff inspect the site after initial approval to confirm compliance with Chapter 3-41 (Sec. 2-39-7).