Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
🐔 Animal Ordinances/Beekeeping

Beekeeping: Newport Beach vs Santa Ana

How do beekeeping rules compare between Newport Beach, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Newport Beach and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.

Newport Beach, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Newport Beach allows beekeeping on residential properties subject to colony limits, setback requirements, and nuisance standards. The city regulates hive placement to minimize conflicts with neighbors and ensure public safety.

View full Newport Beach rules →

Santa Ana, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

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

FactNewport BeachSanta Ana
BeekeepingPermitted with restrictions-
Flyway Barrier6-foot barrier may be required-
Water SourceMust be provided on-site-
RegistrationOC Agricultural Commissioner-
Code Enforcement(949) 644-3215-
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.

Newport Beach FAQ

Can I keep bees in Newport Beach?

Yes, beekeeping is permitted on residential properties subject to setback requirements, colony limits, and nuisance standards. You should provide a water source on-site and may need a flyway barrier between hives and neighboring properties.

Do I need to register my beehives in Newport Beach?

The Orange County Agricultural Commissioner handles beekeeper registration. Contact them at (714) 955-0100 for registration requirements and guidance on beekeeping best practices in the area.

What if my neighbor complains about my bees in Newport Beach?

Beekeeping must not create a nuisance. If complaints arise, Code Enforcement at (949) 644-3215 may investigate. Ensure you have a flyway barrier, adequate water source, and are managing colonies to minimize conflicts with neighbors.

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.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool