Mountain View, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Sec. 46 confines apiaries to side and rear yards at least 10 feet from the property line, unless the adjoining neighbor gives written permission to place it closer, bars locating an apiary on any land without the written consent of the owner or person in possession, and keeps every hive at least 20 feet back from any public road. Sec. 44 requires anyone moving an apiary into or within the city to give the administrator written notice within five days of starting the move, stating the number of colonies, the property's location and the name and address of its owner or occupant, and the apiary's distance from the nearest public road intersection.

Sec. 45 obligates property owners or occupants to immediately notify the administrator when bees establish a natural hive on their land so it can be removed by approved methods. Sec. 47 requires an adequate water supply for the apiary, and Sec. 48 requires anyone keeping bees on property other than their own residence to post identification signs at least one inch tall in black lettering on every entrance side, showing the keeper's name, address, and phone number. Sec. 49 lets the administrator or any law enforcement officer give verbal or written notice of a violation, and a written notice stays posted for 48 hours during which the owner must correct the problem; the article does not authorize keeping bees anywhere else prohibited by law.