Vallejo, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

38, carving out an exception for educational or research institutions studying bees. 020 sets the operating conditions: each colony must live in a separate movable-frame hive (double or multiple-queen hives count toward the same colony limit), colonies must stay disease-free, an aggressive colony must be requeened, every colony must be registered with the county agricultural commissioner, a constant water supply must sit within ten feet of all hives, and the keeper must prevent the bees from disturbing neighbors' property or peace and quiet. 030 caps a lot at three colonies, except that a transient swarm may be kept temporarily for up to forty-five days, and sets hive setbacks of ten feet from an occupied side or rear property line and forty feet from the front property line, measured from the sidewalk boundary furthest from the street.

A beekeeper who wants more colonies or reduced setbacks can apply to the zoning administrator for a variance, which requires review of the applicant's beekeeping history and either written consent from neighbors within three hundred feet or a ten-day public comment period, with a right to appeal a denial to the city council within ten days. 050 additionally requires compliance with the state's bee management and honey production rules under Division 13 of the Agricultural Code.