Los Angeles, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration required
- LA County Agricultural Commission
- Max hives
- 1 per 2,500 sq ft of lot area
- Lot line setback
- Minimum 5 feet from all lot lines
- Right-of-way setback
- Minimum 20 feet from public streets/ROW
- Barrier requirement
- 6-ft wall/fence/hedge or hives raised 8+ ft above adjacent lot
- Water source
- Permanent on-site water source required
Summary
Backyard beekeeping is allowed as an accessory use in LA's RA, RE, RS, and R1 zones under detailed performance standards: including beekeeper registration, hive density limits, setbacks from lot lines, and mandatory bee-deflection barriers.
13. Backyard beekeeping, as an accessory use, provided that: (Added by Ord. No. 183,920, Eff. 12/6/15.)
(a) The person who is the owner of or in possession of an apiary is registered as a beekeeper with the County of Los Angeles Agricultural Commission.
(b) The number of hives is limited to one for every 2,500 square feet of lot area.
(c) Hives are not located in the required front yard of a lot, including through lots.
(d) Hives are located a minimum of five feet from the front, side, and rear lot lines and a minimum of 20 feet from public rights-of-way or private streets.
(e) Hive entrances face away from, or parallel to, the nearest lot line adjacent to another lot.
(f) A six-foot wall, fence, or hedge is located between hives and adjacent lots, or hives are placed at a minimum of eight feet above ground level of the adjacent lot. The purpose of this provision is to provide a solid barrier to help direct bees over six feet above ground level when departing the lot to minimize interactions between bees and individuals in the vicinity.
(g) A water source for bees shall be provided at all times on the property where the bees are kept to discourage bee visitation at swimming pools, hose bibs and other water sources on adjacent public or surrounding property.
Full Breakdown
The beekeeper must be registered with the LA County Agricultural Commission. Hives are limited to one per 2,500 sq ft of lot area and may not be in the required front yard. Hives must be at least 5 feet from all lot lines and 20 feet from public rights-of-way. A 6-foot wall, fence, or hedge between hives and adjacent lots is required, or hives must be elevated at least 8 feet above ground level of the adjacent lot. A permanent water source for bees must be maintained on-site to reduce bee visitation at neighbors' pools and hose bibs. The RE, RS, and R1 zones adopt these standards by reference to LAMC § 12.07 A.13.
Violations & Fines
Violations of zoning use conditions are enforced by the Department of Building and Safety; specific fine amounts for beekeeping violations are not stated in this section but general zoning violations can trigger notices to comply and code enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Los Angeles?
How many beehives can I have in my backyard?
Can I put a hive in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle beekeeping.