Tustin allows beekeeping but limits a parcel to one beehive or colony, and no occupied hive may sit within 100 feet of any adjacent residential structure, street or highway (TCC Sec. 4221(a)(4)). Hives that disturb neighbors or create a nuisance are prohibited under TCC Sec. 4224.
Tustin Municipal Code Sec. 4221(a)(4) makes it unlawful to keep on a single parcel "more than one (1) beehive or colony." The same subsection requires that "no occupied beehive shall be closer than one hundred (100) feet from any adjacent residential structure or street or highway." These are the only numeric beekeeping standards in the City's animal code: one hive per parcel and a 100-foot setback from neighboring homes and rights-of-way. Beekeeping must also comply with the general nuisance provisions of TCC Sec. 4224, under which no animal (including bees) may be kept so as to disturb the peace and comfort of the neighborhood or create a health hazard. The 100-foot setback effectively limits hive placement to larger lots, since smaller residential parcels may not be able to position a hive that far from all adjacent structures and streets. Beekeepers should also be aware of California's apiary registration requirement: under the California Food and Agricultural Code, hive owners must register their apiaries annually with the county agricultural commissioner. Before placing a hive, confirm the setback against your lot dimensions and check with Tustin Community Development and the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner.
Keeping more than one hive, or placing an occupied hive within 100 feet of a neighboring residence, street or highway, violates TCC Sec. 4221 and is generally an infraction (TCC Sec. 4210). A hive that becomes a nuisance under TCC Sec. 4224 may be ordered abated.
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