Sonoma, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

030(C) sets Table 3's limits for honeybees. On a residential lot, up to two hives are allowed on a lot of 10,000 square feet or less, and up to four hives on a larger lot; keeping 5 to 10 hives is allowed only in the city's agricultural and public zones, on a lot of at least two acres. Beekeeping is prohibited in the commercial, mixed-use, multifamily, and mobile-home zoning districts regardless of hive count. Hives must be located in the rear yard, set back at least 10 feet from the side or rear property line, with the entrance directed away from the neighboring property and the hives screened behind a fence, hedge, or similar barrier at least six feet tall running parallel to the property line.

The habitation standard requires hives to be positioned so the first 25 feet of the bees' flight path is directed away from on-site or neighboring residences, and to be fully enclosed with a roof or weatherproof top so the colony is contained. The keeper must maintain the bees to reasonably prevent swarming and aggressive behavior, provide adequate water so the bees do not seek it on neighboring properties, and keep the hive boxes and surrounding area clean and sanitary. Hives must also be built to keep rats, mice, and other rodents from being harbored underneath or inside them. 08 of the Sonoma Municipal Code; it does not extend to the unincorporated Sonoma Valley, which is regulated by Sonoma County.