San Jacinto, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Colony cap
- Two to eight colonies by tract size
- Road setback
- 300 feet from public roads
- Dwelling setback
- 500 feet unless occupant permits
- Flyway barrier
- Six feet high, ten feet beyond the colony
- Hive type
- Langstroth with removable frames
- Water source
- Within 300 feet of the apiary
Summary
In the City of San Jacinto, California, Chapter 8.12 caps colonies by tract size: two on a quarter acre or less, up to eight on an acre or larger. Apiaries stay 300 feet from public roads and 500 feet from dwellings unless the occupant gives permission. Hives must be Langstroth type.
A. It is unlawful to keep more than the following number of colonies on any tract within the city, based upon the size of configuration of the tract on which the apiary is situated: 1. One-quarter acre or less tract size: two colonies, 2. More than one-quarter acre but less than one-half acre tract size: four colonies, 3. More than one-half acre but less than one acre tract size: six colonies, 4. One acre or larger tract size: eight colonies, 5. Regardless of tract size, where all hives are situated at least two hundred (200) feet in any direction from all property lines of the tract on which the apiary is situated, there shall be no limit to the number of colonies, 6. Regardless of tract size, so long as all property, other than the tract upon which the hives are situated, that is within a radius of at least two hundred (200) feet from any hive remains undeveloped property, there shall be no limit to the number of colonies.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 8.12 of the San Jacinto Municipal Code sets sound beekeeping practices for populated areas and expects beekeepers to be certified and registered with the state of California (§ 8.12.010). All colonies must sit in Langstroth type hives with removable frames in sound condition (§ 8.12.030). Beekeepers must keep a convenient, adequate water source available so bees do not congregate at swimming pools, bibcocks, pet bowls or bird baths, and if none exists they must maintain fresh water within three hundred feet of the apiary (§ 8.12.040). No bee comb or robbing material can be left on the grounds (§ 8.12.050), and an aggressive or swarm-prone colony must be requeened with gentle, nonswarming stock (§ 8.12.060).
Section 8.12.070 caps colonies by tract: two on one-quarter acre or less, four on more than one-quarter but less than one-half acre, six on more than one-half but less than one acre, eight on one acre or larger. No limit applies when all hives sit at least two hundred feet from every property line, or when all other property within two hundred feet of any hive stays undeveloped. Each two authorized colonies allow one nucleus colony, which must be combined or disposed of within thirty days.
Section 8.12.080 places apiaries at least three hundred feet from public roads and five hundred feet from the nearest dwelling or business unless the owner or occupant permits it. A colony near a dwelling, school yard or gathering place needs a flyway barrier at least six feet high, extending ten feet beyond the colony each way (§ 8.12.090). Two hives at opposite ends must carry the beekeeper's name, address and telephone, or a sign must be posted (§ 8.12.100). The city inspector can inspect between eight a.m. and five p.m. (§ 8.12.110).
Other sections matter too. Section 6.04.040 adds Riverside County Code Chapter 6.28, whose § 6.28.010 bars keeping bees in the city except in a school, a medical or scientific laboratory, newly annexed areas where bees were allowed before annexation, or a zone that specifically authorizes bees. Zoning Table 4-5 in § 17.430.050 lists Beekeeping (Apiaries) under zones RE and RR with a minor use permit (MUP).
Violations & Fines
On a report of noncompliance, the administrator investigates and issues a written notice of hearing under § 8.12.120. A hearing officer designated by the fire chief can order the bees destroyed or removed from the city, not to exceed twenty days, and bar bees on the tract for two years, or issue a warning if violations were unintentional and corrected. Appeal goes to the city council within five days, and an appeal does not stay the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jacinto
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How other cities in Riverside County handle beekeeping.