Imperial County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

California Food & Agricultural Code sections 29040 and following require every person who keeps honeybees to register their apiary each year with the agricultural commissioner of the county where the bees are located - in this case the Imperial County Agricultural Commissioner. Apiaries must be registered by January 1 each year, and anyone who moves bees into the state or otherwise comes into possession of an apiary after January 1 must register within 30 days. The law applies to all beekeepers regardless of the number of colonies, the purpose (honey, pollination or hobby) or the hive type. The standard annual registration fee is ten dollars, though a county board of supervisors may waive the fee for a hobbyist who is not in the business of beekeeping and keeps nine or fewer colonies. Registration helps the Agricultural Commissioner notify beekeepers before nearby pesticide applications - important in a heavily farmed county like Imperial. Where you may site hives on your property is governed by the county zoning code (Title 9); apiaries are most naturally compatible with agricultural zones, and accessory structures and animal/hive enclosures in residential zones must observe setback rules. Confirm siting with Imperial County Planning & Development Services and registration details with the Agricultural Commissioner before placing hives.