Simi Valley, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

060(D)(1) permits beehives in six residential and open-space zones. A Zoning Clearance is not required inside the Animal, Limited Farm Animal, or Horse overlay zones on lots up to three acres, or on any lot of three acres or more regardless of overlay zone, but it is required for lots between 10,000 square feet and three acres in those zones that sit outside an animal overlay. Only docile Apis Mellifera (European honey bee) colonies are allowed; Apis Mellifera Scutellata (African honey bees) are prohibited outright.

Each hive can hold only one queen and her colony, and no more than two hives are allowed per property unless an Administrative Conditional Use Permit authorizes more. Hive entrances must face away from the nearest property line if closer than 20 feet to it, hives cannot sit in the front yard or within seven feet of a side or rear property line, and no hive may sit within 20 feet of a public street, sidewalk, park, or thoroughfare. A minimum 6-foot solid fence or dense evergreen screening is required, along with an on-site water source to keep bees off neighboring properties.

Colonies must use movable-frame hives, be re-queened at least every two years, and be registered with the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agricultural Code § 29000 et seq. Zoning Clearance applications trigger written notice to owners within 100 feet, and approvals are subject to a one-year Director review triggered by any complaint.