Beekeeping is permitted in San Rafael subject to local zoning standards on hive number, placement and setbacks. California has no statewide ban; hives must be registered with the Marin County agricultural commissioner.
San Rafael allows backyard beekeeping under zoning standards that govern the details: how many hives, where they sit on the lot, and what setbacks from property lines apply. California imposes no statewide ban, but state agricultural law does require apiaries to be registered with the county agricultural commissioner — in this case Marin County's — which also means you'll be notified before nearby pesticide applications. Good siting practice does most of the work: keep hives away from neighbors' outdoor areas, provide water on your own property, and the zoning conditions rarely become an issue.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Rafael, CA
§19.20.080(4) prohibits the use of amplified sound in city parks and buildings without a permit. Combined with the citywide §8.13 noise limits, this is the m...
San Rafael, CA
Parking or storing large commercial vehicles in San Rafael residential zones is restricted by zoning, with weight/length thresholds limiting what may be kept...
San Rafael, CA
RV, trailer and boat storage on residential lots in San Rafael is regulated by zoning, which restricts placement and prohibits living in a parked RV. The cit...
San Rafael, CA
Driveway approaches in San Rafael require an encroachment permit and must meet city standards; vehicles generally must be parked on an approved paved surface...
San Rafael, CA
§5.40.040(1) makes it unlawful to repair or wash any motor vehicle on a city street. Routine driveway washing and minor home maintenance are not affected, bu...
San Rafael, CA
A building/zoning permit is generally required in San Rafael for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California ...
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