Beekeeping: Hesperia vs Rialto
How do beekeeping rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Rialto, CA?
Hesperia and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Development Code §16.20.690 is titled 'Allowable Animals — Apiary and Residential/Agricultural Designations' and treats apiaries as a regulated land use whose numeric limits are set by the Animal Quantities Matrix referenced in the section. In addition, California Food & Agricultural Code §29040 requires every person owning or possessing an apiary in the state to register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner (administered through the statewide BeeWhere program). Hive setbacks from dwellings follow the 70-ft open-enclosure standard in §16.20.050 unless a more specific apiary distance is set by the matrix.
View full Hesperia rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Hobby beekeeping is generally permitted on appropriately zoned Rialto lots under Title 6/Title 18, but every apiary in California must register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner under Cal. Food & Agricultural Code § 29040, and hives must be located, watered and screened so foraging bees do not become a nuisance to neighbors.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Local code section | Hesperia Dev. Code §16.20.690 (apiary land-use designation) | - |
| State registration | Cal. Food & Ag. Code §29040 — annual, BeeWhere portal | Cal. Food & Ag Code § 29040 (annual, by Jan 1) |
| Registration deadline | January 1 annually (30 days for new beekeepers) | - |
| County registrar | San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner | - |
| Hive setback default | 70 ft from dwellings (§16.20.050) | - |
| Registration fees | $10 / $100 / $250 by colony count | - |
| Register with | - | San Bernardino County Ag Commissioner |
| Relocation notice | - | 72 hours (§ 29070) |
| Hobbyist fee | - | May be waived ≤9 colonies (§ 29044) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Do I need a Hesperia city permit for backyard bees?
Not a separate permit, but §16.20.690 lists 'Apiary' as a regulated designation and colony counts must conform to the Animal Quantities Matrix referenced there.
Do I have to register my hives with the state?
Yes — Cal. Food & Ag. Code §29040 requires annual registration with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner via BeeWhere by Jan 1 each year.
How far must hives be from a neighboring house?
Open animal enclosures must be at least 70 ft from any dwelling per §16.20.050 unless a different apiary-specific distance is set in the Animal Quantities Matrix.
Who do I call for a bee swarm?
City of Hesperia advises calling a local beekeeper for swarms and an exterminator if bees are nesting inside structures (Wild Animals page).
Rialto FAQ
Do I need to register my Rialto backyard hives?
Yes. Every California apiary owner must register annually with the county agricultural commissioner under Food & Ag Code § 29040, even for a single hobby hive.
How many hives can I keep?
Rialto does not publish a statewide cap; placement (setback, flyway barrier, water source) and nuisance standards in RMC Title 6 typically govern. Check current Title 18 zoning before adding hives on a small residential lot.
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