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

Apiaries in unincorporated San Bernardino County are governed by County Code 32.0903 (Location and Identification of Apiaries). All apiaries must be located at least 100 feet from the traveled portion of all public roads and at least 200 feet from all freeways, unless natural barriers prevent the bees from creating a nuisance or hazard. Apiaries must be at least 500 feet from any house or building, unless the beekeeper obtains permission from the occupant or person in charge of that building. An apiary within 500 feet of a school yard or other place where people congregate must be located and maintained behind a barrier (natural or otherwise) at least six feet in height. Under the Development Code, an 'aviary, apiary, or similar small animal farm' is listed in Table 84-3 as a primary use (1-acre minimum in Resource Conservation; half-acre in Rural Living, Floodway, or Special Development zones) and is 'Not allowed' as an accessory use on parcels under 20,000 sq ft (Table 84-5). Separately, California Food & Agricultural Code 29040 requires every person who owns or possesses apiaries to register them annually with the County Agricultural Commissioner (San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures), and to mark hives with the owner's name and address.