Santa Monica, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed property type
- Single-family residential only
- Maximum hives per property
- 2
- Property line setback
- At least 5 feet
- Flight barrier required
- 6-foot barrier OR hives placed ≥8 feet above ground
- Requeening requirement
- At least once every 2 years
- Registration
- Required with City Animal Control Office before keeping hives
Summary
Beekeeping is allowed only on single-family residential property, limited to two hives, and requires prior registration with the City's Animal Control Office.
§ 4.04.130. Bees. (b) General Requirements. (1) Hives may only be maintained on single-family residential property. (2) No more than two hives may be maintained on any single-family residential property. (3) All bee colonies shall be kept in inspectable hives consisting of moveable frames and combs. (5) Any person intending to maintain any bee hive on any single-family residential property within the City must first register with the City's Animal Control Office. (c) Hive Placement Requirements. (1) Hives shall be located at least five feet from all property lines. (2) Hive entrances shall face away from or parallel to the nearest property line(s). (3) Hives must either be screened so that the bees must fly over a six-foot barrier, which may be vegetative, before leaving the property, or be placed at least eight feet above the adjacent ground level. (d) Hive Management Requirements. (1) Hives shall be continually managed to provide adequate living space for their resident bees to prevent swarming. (2) Hives shall be requeened at least once every two years to prevent swarming. (3) A water source for bees shall be provided at all times on the property where the bees are kept.
Full Breakdown
Hives must be at least five feet from all property lines, with entrances facing away from or parallel to the nearest property line. Either a six-foot flight barrier (which may be vegetative) must screen the hives, or the hives must be placed at least eight feet above ground level. Hives must be requeened at least once every two years to prevent swarming, and a water source must be provided on the property at all times. Hives exhibiting defensive behavior or swarming are declared public nuisances.
Violations & Fines
Violations are an infraction (up to $250) or misdemeanor (up to $1,000 or 6 months jail). Abandoned or non-compliant hives may be declared public nuisances and abated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in a condo or apartment?
How close to the fence can I put my hives?
What do I do before setting up my first hive?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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