Beekeeping: Mead Valley vs Menifee

Where can I legally keep bees in unincorporated Riverside County?

Land Use Ordinance 348 lists apiaries as a permitted agricultural use in the A-1 (Light Agriculture) zone, making agricultural and rural parcels the clearest place to keep bees. On smaller residential lots, beekeeping may not be a permitted use — confirm your parcel's zoning with the Riverside County Planning Department before keeping hives.

Do I have to register my hives?

Yes. Under the California Food and Agricultural Code, beekeepers must register their apiaries with the Agricultural Commissioner in the county where the bees are kept and identify their hives. In unincorporated Riverside County, that registration is filed with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner.

Can I keep bees in Menifee?

Yes, beekeeping is generally permitted in Rural Residential and agricultural zones under the Title 9 Development Code as an accessory use. Higher-density residential zones may not allow apiaries — verify with Planning at 951-723-3741.

Do I need to register my hives?

Yes. Cal. Food & Agric. Code §29040 requires apiary registration with the Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner within 30 days of establishment, renewed annually.

Are there setback requirements for hives?

Yes — the Title 9 Development Code sets hive setbacks from property lines and dwellings as part of accessory animal-keeping standards. Specific distances depend on zoning.