Beekeeping in unincorporated San Diego County is regulated under County Code Section 62.901 et seq. Hives must be located at least 600 feet from any habitable dwelling unit (other than the beekeeper's). Additional rules apply to setbacks, water sources, and flyway barriers.
County Code Section 62.901 and following sections regulate beekeeping in unincorporated areas. Apiaries must be located at least 600 feet from any habitable dwelling unit other than that of the beekeeper. Hives must have an adequate water source within 50 feet. When hives are within 150 feet of a public or private road, school, or other occupied area, a flyway barrier (solid fence or dense hedge) at least 6 feet high must be provided to direct bee flight paths upward. The number of hives may be limited by lot size. Beekeepers must maintain their hives to prevent swarming. Africanized bee concerns have prompted additional monitoring. The County Agricultural Commissioner also has jurisdiction over apiary regulation.
Violations of setback or management requirements may result in citations and required removal of hives. The Agricultural Commissioner may order abatement of problem apiaries.
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See how San Diego County's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
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