Palm Desert, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Where allowed
- All residential zoning districts
- Species
- Apis mellifera honeybees only
- Colony limit
- 2 on lots 20,000 square feet and less; 4 above
- Property line setback
- At least 5 feet from all property lines
- Barrier
- At least 6 feet high between hives and neighbors
- Re-queening
- At least once every 2 years
Summary
In the City of Palm Desert, California, beekeeping is allowed in every residential zoning district under Palm Desert Municipal Code § 25.34.170, limited to Apis mellifera honeybees kept as an ancillary use to a single-family dwelling. Lots of 20,000 square feet or less get 2 permanent colonies, larger lots get 4, and hives sit 5 feet from every property line.
B. Applicability. ... Beekeeping is allowed in all residential zoning districts, subject to compliance with the standards of this section and other relevant requirements of this title. C. General requirements. 1. Beekeeping use shall be limited to Apis mellifera (European/western common honeybees) and must be an ancillary use to a single-family dwelling. ... 5. The maximum number of permanent beehive colonies that may be kept per single-family dwelling unit shall be limited to 2 colonies on lots that are 20,000 square feet and less in area, and 4 colonies on lots greater than 20,000 square feet. Additional bee hive colonies are allowed on a temporary basis to address swarming or any other issues related to proper beekeeping management. ... 2. A barrier of at least 6 feet in height consisting of a solid fence, wall and/or dense vegetation shall be installed and maintained between the beehive colony(ies) and all abutting properties. ... 3. Beehive colony(ies) shall be located at least 5 feet from all property lines.
Full Breakdown
Section 25.34.170 treats beekeeping as an allowed residential use with conditions. Beekeeping is allowed in all residential zoning districts, but only Apis mellifera (European/western common honeybees) qualify, and the apiary must be an ancillary use to a single-family dwelling. Every owner or possessor of an apiary must comply with the California State requirements for registration of each apiary. Beekeeping must follow recognized best management practices, and a beekeeper must keep records and proof of re-queening every 2 years, which the Director can require in response to a nuisance complaint.
Colony counts depend on lot size: 2 permanent colonies per single-family dwelling unit on lots of 20,000 square feet and less, and 4 on lots greater than 20,000 square feet. Additional colonies are allowed on a temporary basis to address swarming or other management problems. All colonies must live in inspectable hives with moveable frames and combs, stay in good and usable condition, and be promptly removed if the beekeeper discontinues the use.
Placement rules are physical. Colonies go in a private residential yard area, with the code pointing to the space behind the residential unit. A barrier at least 6 feet high, made of a solid fence, wall or dense vegetation, must stand between the colonies and all abutting properties, and fences and walls must meet Section 25.40.080. The code allows hillside homes an exemption from the fencing requirement. Colonies sit at least 5 feet from all property lines, and entrances face away from or parallel to the nearest property line to set the height of the flight path. Management rules add a water source on the property at all times, re-queening at least once every 2 years, and storage of maintenance materials in a sealed container or bee-proof enclosure.
Bees or hives become a public nuisance when colonies show defensive or objectionable behavior, swarm, fail to conform to the code, or are abandoned by the colony or the beekeeper.
Violations & Fines
A violation is an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding $250.00, or a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, up to 6 months in County Jail, or both. Administrative fines under Chapter 8.81 run up to $250.00 for a first offense, $500.00 for a second and $1,000.00 for a third, then $250.00 per day, per violation for failing to comply with a third citation. These remedies are not exclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can you keep in the City of Palm Desert?
Do you need a permit to keep bees in Palm Desert?
How far must hives be from the property line?
What happens if bees swarm in Palm Desert?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Desert
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Desert to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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