San Benito County, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Beekeeping in unincorporated San Benito County is primarily controlled by California state law administered locally by the San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner. California Food & Agricultural Code Section 29040 requires every owner or possessor of an apiary located in California to register, by January 1 each year (or within 30 days thereafter), the number of colonies and the location of each apiary with the commissioner of the county where the bees are kept. Registration applies to all beekeepers regardless of the number of colonies, the purpose (honey, pollination, or hobby), or hive type. An annual registration fee of $10 is charged, which the county board of supervisors may waive for hobbyists not in the business of beekeeping who keep nine or fewer colonies. California also operates the statewide BeeWhere registration system. On-the-ground placement of hives on a residential parcel - such as where bees may be kept and how many - falls under the County's Zoning Code animal-keeping provisions, so beekeepers should confirm hive limits and setbacks with the County Resource Management Agency in addition to registering with the Agricultural Commissioner.