Beekeeping in unincorporated Orange County is permitted on agriculturally zoned properties. All beekeepers must register hives with the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner and the state BeeWhere system. Residential zoning districts have limited or no allowance for apiaries.
In unincorporated Orange County, beekeeping is generally permitted on properties with agricultural zoning designations (A1). The California Food and Agricultural Code Section 29000 et seq. requires all beekeepers to register apiaries with the county agricultural commissioner. The OC Agricultural Commissioner administers the Apiary Registration program, which must be renewed annually. The state BeeWhere system provides an additional registration layer for pollinator management. In residential zoning districts, keeping bees may be restricted or require special approval depending on the specific zoning designation. Property owners should verify their zoning with OC Development Services before establishing hives. Swarm complaints on county property are handled by the OC Agricultural Commissioner at (714) 955-0100.
Unregistered apiaries violate the California Food and Agricultural Code and may result in fines. Beekeeping on residentially zoned property without proper zoning approval may result in code enforcement action and required removal of hives.
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