San Leandro, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Section 4-11-1400 requires a beekeeping permit for keeping any number of hives on any lot in San Leandro, no matter how few. Before a permit issues, Animal Control Services must inspect the premises (§ 4-11-1405(a)). The permit conditions cap the property at no more than three hives regardless of lot size, and bar any hive on a parcel smaller than 6,000 square feet. Every hive's location must be registered with Animal Control Services under the owner's name and address. Hives have to sit in the rear of the property, at least 5 feet from any side or rear lot line and never in a front yard, and must be more than 50 feet from any existing dwelling or any dwelling with an issued building permit, whether on the applicant's lot or elsewhere.

Every hive entrance must face a house or building on the premises, and the hives must be enclosed by a solid fence at least 6 feet tall, standing no farther than 30 feet from the hives, though the fence may be built to a taller height specifically approved in the beekeeping permit to match zoning rules, and it may leave an opening on the side facing the house. Beekeepers must also meet the general animal housing and care standards of § 4-11-1110, including sanitary conditions and effective vector control at all times.