Tulare County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Section 6-05-2010 defines an 'apiary' as one or more beehives and a 'hive' as any receptacle made or used for bees. Anyone keeping an apiary on land other than their own residence must post an identification sign under § 6-05-2020, showing the owner's or possessor's name, address and phone number (or a statement that none exists) in black letters at least one inch tall on a white or contrasting background, permanently affixed to the long side of the hive or super facing the entrance. Placing an apiary on someone else's land also requires the landowner's written permission first, per § 6-05-2030.

The setback table in § 6-05-2040 keeps bees away from people: hives must sit at least 20 feet from a state highway or county road right-of-way, a quarter mile from the outside boundary of any school or park, 200 feet from any occupied residence or occupied business building (unless the occupants give written consent to a closer spot), and 200 feet from a swimming pool or a regularly used airstrip. Keepers must also supply the bees an adequate, quality water source close to the apiary under § 6-05-2050. Vehicles transporting hives must be parked or screened so bees cannot become a hazard, per § 6-05-2060, and any vehicle used to service an apiary or haul bees must carry its own one-inch-lettered ID sign under § 6-05-2070, unless it is merely passing through the county.