La Habra, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Section 6.22.400 defines bees as honey-producing insects of the genus Apis, citing California Food and Agriculture Code Section 29004, and covers every life stage of the insect. Subsection (B) makes it unlawful to keep or maintain any hive of bees anywhere in La Habra except within the agricultural zone or an area the city has declared open space; residential, commercial and most other zoned parcels are closed to beekeeping outright. Where hives are allowed, subsection (C) layers on two further limits: no more than two hives per lot or parcel, and no hive within twenty-five feet of any property line.

The code specifies that for this twenty-five-foot rule the 'front property line' is the sidewalk boundary farthest from the street rather than the boundary nearest it, which matters on corner lots or lots with a deep front setback. The chapter sits alongside La Habra's other backyard-animal limits in Chapter 6.22, including its livestock and fowl sections, all enforced through the same permit and inspection structure in Chapter 6.30 administered by the animal control officer under contract with OC Animal Care. Violations of Chapter 6.22, including an unauthorized hive, fall under the chapter's general penalty in § 6.22.900.