Walnut Creek, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Walnut Creek allows residential beekeeping as an accessory use in most residential zones, subject to standards intended to minimize nuisance to neighbors. Typical requirements include hives set back at least 15-20 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings, or alternatively the installation of a six-foot-tall solid fence or flyway barrier between the hive entrance and the property line to force bees to fly upward. Hive count is generally limited based on lot size: commonly two hives on lots under 10,000 square feet and an additional hive per 5,000 square feet thereafter. A continuously available fresh water source must be provided on the beekeeper's property to prevent bees from seeking water at neighbors' pools, pet bowls, and faucets. Beekeepers must register with the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food & Agricultural Code Section 29040, which applies statewide. Africanized honeybee incidents must be reported to the county. Honey sales from the property are permitted under California's Cottage Food Operation rules (AB 1616) with registration. The California Right to Farm Act (Civil Code 3482.5) provides some protection for established operations against nuisance claims.