Beekeeping: Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana
How do beekeeping rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Costa Mesa and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa requires a residential beekeeping permit for all domesticated hives. Hives must be at least 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring residential buildings. The city has updated its beekeeping regulations to allow managed apiaries with permits.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana authorizes backyard beekeeping under SAMC Sec. 5-7 on single-family residential properties and in the A-1 agricultural zone. No more than 2 hives are allowed on lots of 6,000 square feet or less. Africanized bees, wasps, hornets, and noxious insects are prohibited.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes — residential beekeeping permit | - |
| Property Line Setback | 15 feet minimum | - |
| Building Setback | 25 ft from neighboring residences | - |
| Water Source | On-site provision required | - |
| Contact | Animal Control — (714) 754-5311 | - |
| Max Hives | - | 2 on lots ≤6,000 sq ft |
| Zones | - | A-1 and single-family residential |
| Prohibited | - | Africanized bees, wasps, hornets |
| Code Section | - | Sec. 5-7 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Can I keep bees in Costa Mesa?
Yes, with a residential beekeeping permit. Hives must be at least 15 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring residential buildings.
How do I get a beekeeping permit?
Contact Costa Mesa Animal Control at (714) 754-5311 or the Planning Division for current permit requirements and application procedures.
Are there limits on the number of hives?
The number of hives may be limited based on lot size and proximity to neighbors. Check with the city for specific limits.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana authorizes backyard beekeeping under SAMC Sec. 5-7 on single-family residential properties and in the A-1 agricultural zone. No more than 2 hives are allowed on lots of 6,000 square feet or less. Africanized bees, wasps, hornets, and noxious insects are prohibited.
What are the beekeeping regulations in Santa Ana?
Max Hives: 2 on lots ≤6,000 sq ft. Zones: A-1 and single-family residential. Prohibited: Africanized bees, wasps, hornets. Code Section: Sec. 5-7.
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