Beekeeping: Ontario vs Rialto
How do beekeeping rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rialto, CA?
Ontario and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario allows beekeeping under the Development Code with hive-count and setback limits. Beekeepers must register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner under CA F and A Code 29040.
View full Ontario 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 | Ontario | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Hives | Limited count per residential lot | - |
| Setbacks | Typically 15 to 25 feet | - |
| Flyway Barrier | 6-foot fence or vegetation | - |
| State Registration | CA F and A Code 29040 | - |
| Water Source | On-property water required | - |
| State registration | - | Cal. Food & Ag Code § 29040 (annual, by Jan 1) |
| 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.
Ontario FAQ
Do I need to register my bees in Ontario?
Yes. California law requires beekeepers to register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner regardless of hive count.
Can I keep hives in a small backyard?
Possibly, with limited hive count and a flyway barrier. Check the Development Code for your zone and minimum setbacks before installing hives.
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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