Martinez, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- County Ag Commissioner free
- Property Setback
- 10 feet from line
- Dwelling Distance
- 25 feet neighbor
- Flyway Barrier
- 6 ft allows reduced
- Density
- 2 per 5,000 sq ft typical
- Water Source
- On-site required
Summary
Beekeeping is permitted on residential properties in Martinez with setback requirements: hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings, or behind a six-foot flyway barrier. Registration with the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner is required for all beekeepers. Hive numbers are limited based on lot size, typically two hives per 5,000 square feet.
29040. Every person that is the owner, broker, or is in possession of an apiary that is located within the state, on the first day of January of each year, shall register the number of colonies in each apiary that is owned or possessed by the person and the location of each apiary. Every person required to register under this article, shall do so on the first day of January of each year in which they maintain, possess, or are in possession of an apiary, or within 30 days thereafter, as prescribed in this article. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 683, Sec. 7. (AB 719) Effective January 1, 2023.)
Full Breakdown
04 standards and Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner registration requirements. All beekeepers in California must register annually with the County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food & Agricultural Code §29040: in Contra Costa County, this registration is free and can be completed online or by mail. In Martinez residential zones, hives must be positioned at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings unless a solid six-foot flyway barrier (fence, hedge, or structure) directs bee flight paths upward over the obstacle before the property line.
Typical allowed hive density is two hives per 5,000 square feet of lot area, with larger lots permitted more. Water sources must be provided on-site to prevent bees from seeking water at neighbors' pools or spigots. Aggressive colonies (Africanized honey bees suspected) must be requeened or removed. Beekeepers are responsible for swarm retrieval from their hives. Hive inspection by the County Agricultural Commissioner may occur, particularly if disease (American foulbrood) is reported. Some HOAs in Martinez may restrict beekeeping beyond municipal standards. California right-to-farm provisions apply to commercial apiary operations on agricultural land outside city limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Martinez?
How close can I put a hive to my neighbor's fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martinez
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle beekeeping.