Madera County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- off-premises apiaries only
- Sign lettering
- black, 1 inch tall minimum
- Penalty
- misdemeanor
- Scope
- unincorporated Madera County
Summary
Unincorporated Madera County sets no permit or zoning limit on beekeeping, but anyone who keeps an apiary somewhere other than their own residence must post an identifying sign with the owner's name, address and phone number.
Every person maintaining an apiary on premises other than that of his residence shall identify such apiary by affixing a sign thereto showing the name of the owner or person in possession of the apiary, his address, his telephone number, if any, and if there is no telephone, a statement of that fact.C.Such person shall affix such sign on the longer side of the hive or longer side of the super, prominently located on the entrance side of the apiary, and shall at all times maintain such sign thereon. Such signs shall be in black letters at least one inch in height on white or other contrasting color.D.The lettering shall be printed or stenciled, or equivalent thereto, in black paint or black ink.E.Every person violating any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 226 §§ l-5, 1956)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County Code Chapter 6.20 regulates off-premises apiaries countywide in the unincorporated area. Anyone keeping hives on land other than their own residence must affix a sign to the longer side of the hive or super, prominently facing the apiary's entrance, showing the owner's or keeper's name, address and telephone number (or a note that there is none). Lettering must be black, at least one inch tall, on a white or otherwise contrasting background, printed, stenciled or equivalent. The chapter places no restriction on where hives may sit on an owner's own property. Violating the signage duty is a misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Failing to post the required identification sign on an off-premises apiary is a misdemeanor under Madera County Code § 6.20.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in unincorporated Madera County?
What must the apiary sign say?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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