Ontario allows beekeeping under the Development Code with hive-count and setback limits. Beekeepers must register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner under CA F and A Code 29040.
Residential beekeeping in Ontario is generally allowed in single-family zones with a limited number of hives and setback distances from property lines, sidewalks, and neighboring homes, typically at least 15 to 25 feet depending on the zone and lot size. The Development Code requires hives to be placed so flight paths rise over a fence or vegetation barrier at least six feet tall, which is the standard California practice to reduce neighbor conflicts. Water sources for the bees must be maintained on the owner's property so colonies do not use pools or hose bibs next door. Beekeepers with any number of hives must register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 29040, which funds the state's apiary pest management program. Registration is low-cost and provides notification before pesticide applications that could harm hives. Aggressive colonies can be declared a nuisance and must be removed or requeened.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Ontario, CA
Outdoor music is regulated under OMC Title 5 Chapter 29 and the special-event permit process. Venues and events with amplified sound need a city permit; resi...
Ontario, CA
Aircraft noise from Ontario International Airport (ONT) is regulated by the FAA, not the city. ONT runs an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program; federal ...
Ontario, CA
Ontario requires a building permit for masonry walls and any fence over 7 feet under the California Building Code. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require p...
Ontario, CA
Ontario fence requirements include zoning-based heights, setbacks, sight triangles, buffer walls on industrial edges, and CBC structural standards. Pool, ret...
Ontario, CA
Ontario limits residential fence heights under the Development Code. Typical maximums are 6 feet rear/side, 3 feet front, and 42 inches in sight-distance tri...
Ontario, CA
Ontario allows backyard fire pits under the California Fire Code as adopted. Wood pits must sit 25 feet from structures and be attended. SCAQMD no-burn days ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle beekeeping.
See how Ontario's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.