Napa County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- County chapter
- Napa County Code Ch. 6.12 (Beehives, Ord. 1377)
- Hive type
- Moveable-frame, sound condition required
- Screening
- From dwellings and public walkways
- State registration
- Annual via BeeWhere (FAC 29040)
- Pesticide notification
- Title 3 CCR 6654(a)
- Registration fee
- Waived for 2025
Summary
Napa County Code Chapter 6.12 (Beehives), as amended by Ordinance 1377, requires apiaries to use moveable-frame hives in sound condition and be screened from neighboring dwellings and public walkways. California Food & Agricultural Code section 29040 and Title 3 CCR 6654 require every beekeeper to register hive locations annually with the County Agricultural Commissioner through the BeeWhere system.
California Food and Agricultural Code section 29040 requires every beekeeper register their hives each year starting January 1st. Registration is done through BeeWhere, California's electronic hive tracking system. Growers must check for nearby colonies before pesticide application under Title 3 California Code of Regulations section 6654(a).
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping in unincorporated Napa County is regulated locally by Chapter 6.12 (Beehives) of the Napa County Code, most recently amended by Ordinance 1377. The ordinance requires that all apiaries consist of moveable-frame hives in sound, useable condition and that apiaries be screened from neighboring dwellings and public walkways. The chapter states that 'nothing in this chapter shall excuse compliance with state laws applicable to apiaries' and authorizes the Agricultural Commissioner to enter any premises where bees are kept (or reasonably believed kept) to enforce the ordinance. At the state level, California Food & Agricultural Code section 29040 requires every beekeeper to register their hive locations annually starting January 1, and Title 3 California Code of Regulations section 6654(a) requires growers to check the BeeWhere registry before pesticide application. Napa County administers registration through the Agricultural Commissioner's Office (1710 Soscol Ave., Suite 3) and via the statewide BeeWhere portal (beewhere.calagpermits.org); the registration fee was waived for 2025.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register hives is a violation of state law and Chapter 6.12 and is enforced by the Agricultural Commissioner. Apiaries that are not screened or that use unsound hive equipment may be ordered abated; civil penalties may be assessed and notice-and-correction procedures used. Pesticide applicators who fail to check the BeeWhere registry may face state Department of Pesticide Regulation enforcement under Title 3 CCR 6654.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my beehives in Napa County?
Are there hive setbacks or screening rules?
Can the County inspect my apiary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Napa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Napa County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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