Stockton, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

350(E), Urban Beekeeping, makes it unlawful to permanently keep, have, or ranch more than two beehives on a single parcel of residentially zoned property, unless the parcel is zoned RE and utilized as a market garden or urban farm. Beyond the two-hive cap, hives must sit in a quiet area at least 20 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent parcel, and all colonies must be located at least 20 feet from a public sidewalk, alley, street, or road. Where there is no fence or flyway barrier, the hive entrance has to face away from building entrances and walkways and toward the most distant property line, and a clear flight path of at least 10 feet must be kept from the hive entrance.

If a colony sits less than 10 feet from a property line, the beekeeper must put up a flyway barrier at least six feet tall that extends 10 feet beyond the colony on either side, solid or vegetative or a combination, forcing bees to cross the property line at six feet up. A separate barrier or fence, also at least six feet tall and extending 10 feet past the colony on each side, must keep animals and children away from the hives, which have to be kept in good condition and given constant access to water.

, as an additional compliance layer, and clarifies that meeting the local standards does not authorize keeping hives in violation of any other applicable law.