Beekeeping: Fresno vs Reedley
How do beekeeping rules compare between Fresno, CA and Reedley, CA?
Fresno and Reedley have similar restriction levels.
Fresno, CA
Fresno County
Fresno allows backyard beekeeping on single-family residential lots with up to two hives on lots under 10,000 square feet and four hives on larger lots. Hives must be set back 10 feet from property lines, with flyway barriers 6 feet tall if within 25 feet of neighbor property. Registration with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner is required annually.
View full Fresno rules →Reedley, CA
Fresno County
Reedley has no city-specific beekeeping ordinance. California state law governs, requiring annual apiary registration with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner.
View full Reedley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fresno | Reedley |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| City-Specific Ordinance | - | None - state law applies |
| State Registration | - | Required with Fresno Co. Ag Commissioner |
| Nuisance Enforcement | - | Title 4, Ch. 2 nuisance provisions |
| Contact | - | Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fresno FAQ
Can I keep bees in my Fresno backyard?
Yes, up to two hives on standard residential lots under 10,000 square feet. Hives must be 10 feet from property lines, and you must register with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner.
Do I need a permit for beekeeping in Fresno?
Not a city permit, but you must register your apiary annually with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agriculture Code §29040.
Reedley FAQ
Do I need a permit to keep bees in Reedley?
There is no city-specific beekeeping permit, but California law requires all beekeepers to register annually with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner. You should also ensure your hives do not create a nuisance for neighbors, as the city can enforce nuisance abatement under Title 4, Chapter 2.
How many hives can I keep on my residential property?
Reedley does not set a specific limit on hive numbers. However, hives must be managed so they do not constitute a public nuisance. The Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner can provide guidance on best practices for residential apiaries.
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