Sacramento County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum lot size
- 5,000 sq ft
- Hives under 10,000 sq ft
- 2 (plus 2 temporary)
- Hives 10,000-20,000 sq ft
- 4 (plus 4 temporary)
- Hives over 20,000 sq ft
- 6 (plus 6 temporary)
- Water source distance
- Within 15 feet of hives
Summary
Sacramento County caps backyard hives by lot size, two on parcels under 10,000 sq ft, four up to 20,000, six above, and requires state hive registration plus a water source and flyway barrier.
There shall be no more than two bee hives established on parcels less than 10,000 square feet, except two additional temporary hives are allowed for hive management purposes to minimize the likelihood of swarming. Such temporary hives shall be removed from the property within 60 days.
There shall be no more than four bee hives established on parcels from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet, except four additional temporary hives are allowed for hive management purposes to minimize the likelihood of swarming. Such temporary hives shall be removed from the property within 60 days.
There shall be no more than six bee hives established on parcels greater than 20,000 square feet, except six additional temporary hives are allowed for hive management purposes to minimize the likelihood of swarming. Such temporary hives shall be removed from the property within 60 days.
Ground level hives shall be placed on the parcel such that they are enclosed by fencing or similar barrier that prevents unauthorized access.
A solid fence, dense hedge, or similar barrier must be established in front of the entrance of all ground level hives so that bee departures and arrivals occur no less than six feet in height at interior property lines.
The minimum width of the barrier for the purpose of influencing the flyway shall extend two feet from each side of the hive openings.
Roof level hives are allowed provided physical security is maintained.
Full Breakdown
Non-commercial beekeeping is allowed in AR-1, Residential, Recreation, Mixed Use, Commercial, and Industrial districts on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. Hive counts are capped by lot size, with temporary hives allowed for up to 60 days during swarm management. Ground hives need a 6-foot flyway barrier and a fresh water source within 15 feet; hive owners must register with the County Agricultural Commissioner. Commercial beekeeping is a permitted primary use in Agricultural and Agricultural-Residential districts.
Violations & Fines
Nuisance bee behavior or noncompliance lets the Planning Director withdraw beekeeping privileges by written notice; unregistered colonies must be removed and cannot return for at least six weeks. Withdrawal decisions can be appealed to the Board of Supervisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep on a residential lot in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Do I need to register my beehives with Sacramento County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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