Moorpark, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Property line setback
- 50 ft minimum
- Street setback
- 150 ft from public road
- Minimum lot size
- 1 acre
- Urbanized-area buffer
- 400 ft minimum
- Allowed zones
- O-S, A-E, R-E, R-A, R-L, R-1
Summary
Moorpark permits backyard beekeeping on one-acre-plus lots in six zones, with hives set back 150 feet from streets, 50 feet from property lines, and 400 feet from dense residential areas under the zoning code's animal-keeping standards.
No apiary shall be located or maintained within 50 feet of any property line common to other property except that it may be adjoining the property line when such other property contains an apiary, or upon mutual agreement for such location with the adjoining property owner.
e. Water. Available, adequate and suitable water supply shall be maintained on the property near the apiaries at all times.
5. Domestic animals, other than those listed in Table 17.28.030, shall be allowed to be kept on all residentially zoned property subject to the following limitations:
a. A maximum of 15 domestic animals, including, but not limited to, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, and small birds (less than six inches in overall height). Outside enclosures shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from any adjacent property line;
b. A maximum of three large birds (greater than six inches in overall height) of the parrot family. Outside enclosures shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from any adjacent property line;
c. Tropical fish, small caged crustaceans, amphibians and arthropods, and other similar animals commonly sold in pet stores and kept as household pets, may be kept on any residentially zoned lot so long as the animals are not maintained for commercial purposes, do not constitute a nuisance, and are adequately provided with food, care and sanitary facilities;
d.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978490; v10 updated 2026-07-01).
Full Breakdown
Moorpark's animal-keeping code allows apiculture on lots of at least one acre in the O-S, A-E, R-E, R-A, R-L and R-1 zones, with no cap on hive count. Hives must sit at least 150 feet from any public street, 50 feet from a neighboring property line (closer only by mutual agreement or if the neighbor also keeps bees), and a minimum 400 feet from urbanized areas of three or more dwellings per acre. Beekeepers must also maintain an adequate water source on-site. The standards apply within Moorpark city limits, Ventura County, California, not to unincorporated county land, which Ventura County regulates separately.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees beyond the lot-size, setback, or distance standards is a zoning violation; code enforcement can require hive relocation or removal and may issue a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees on any residential lot in Moorpark?
How far must a beehive be from a neighborhood with houses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Moorpark
California rules heatmap·Compare Moorpark to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle beekeeping.