Beekeeping: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do beekeeping rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Beekeeping is allowed in qualifying residential and agricultural zones with setback and water-source requirements. Africanized honey bees are common across the Inland Empire.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Hives | Limited count per residential lot | - |
| Setbacks | Typically 15 to 25 feet | - |
| Flyway Barrier | 6-foot fence or vegetation | Six feet high when near neighbors |
| State Registration | CA F and A Code 29040 | - |
| Water Source | On-property water required | - |
| Registration | - | Annual with County Ag Commissioner |
| Setback | - | Typically 15 to 20 feet from property line |
| Africanized Bees | - | Requeening recommended |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need to tell the county I have hives?
Yes. California law requires beekeepers to register annually with the San Bernardino County Agricultural Commissioner.
Are my bees probably Africanized?
Africanized honey bees are established across the Inland Empire; requeening from a known gentle source is recommended.
Compare other topics
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