Redding, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Redding's Zoning Ordinance Section 18.43.040 at https://files.cityofredding.gov/Document%20Center/Departments/Development%20Services/Planning/Zoning%20Ordinance/Section%201843040%20Animals.pdf opens with a statement that 'it is also appropriate that hen chickens and bees be allowed within a more urban environment to the extent that they do not constitute a nuisance to neighboring properties.' That intent statement, paired with the absence of a numerical hive cap, supports limited backyard beekeeping in Redding's residential districts subject to the general setback and sanitation rules. The detailed animal table in subsection (D) does not assign hives an animal-unit equivalent, so unlike poultry there is no codified per-lot maximum — Redding instead relies on the unsanitary-conditions rule at 18.43.040(G), which prohibits odor, insect infestation, or rodent attractants that disturb neighbors, and on questions-about-classification authority of the Director under 18.43.040(H). Beekeepers should also be aware that all animal enclosures (including beehives, by Director interpretation) are subject to the setback rules in 18.43.040(C): at least 15 feet from side/rear property lines and 50 feet from front property line. The state-level apiary registration requirement is at California Food & Agricultural Code Section 29040 (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAC&sectionNum=29040.) — every person owning or in possession of one or more colonies of bees brought into or kept in California must register with the County Agricultural Commissioner of each county where the apiary is located, with annual renewal by January 1. The Shasta County Agricultural Commissioner administers Redding's apiary registration at https://www.shastacounty.gov/agriculture/. California Food and Agricultural Code Sections 29000-29360 regulate honey-bee identification, movement, and pest treatment statewide. Best practice for urban beekeepers includes a flyway barrier (fence or hedge of at least 6 feet within 25 feet of the hive entrance), a water source on the keeper's lot, and rear-yard placement away from sidewalks and play areas.