Beekeeping: Santa Monica vs South San Gabriel
How do beekeeping rules compare between Santa Monica, CA and South San Gabriel, CA?
Santa Monica and South San Gabriel have similar restriction levels.
Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.04.130 permits beekeeping on single-family residential property only, with a limit of two hives per property. Hives must be at least 5 feet from property lines and registered with the City's Animal Control Office. Requeening is required every two years.
View full Santa Monica rules →South San Gabriel, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 10, Division 3, Chapter 10.76 regulates beekeeping in unincorporated areas. Apiaries must be registered with the LA County Agricultural Commissioner. Hive setback requirements and colony limits apply based on lot size.
View full South San Gabriel rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Monica | South San Gabriel |
|---|---|---|
| Max Hives | 2 per property | - |
| Setback | 5 ft from property lines | - |
| Registration | City Animal Control Office | County Ag Commissioner |
| Code | SMMC §4.04.130 | Title 10, Ch. 10.76 |
| Flyway Barrier | - | 6 feet required |
| Water Source | - | On-site required |
| State Law | - | FAC §29040 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I keep bees in Santa Monica?
Yes, but only on single-family residential property. You may have up to two hives, placed at least 5 feet from property lines with entrances facing away from neighbors. You must register with the City's Animal Control Office.
What are the ongoing requirements for beekeepers?
Requeening every two years, providing an on-site water source, managing hives to prevent swarming, and storing equipment in sealed containers. The City may inspect your apiary.
South San Gabriel FAQ
Can I keep bees in unincorporated LA County?
Yes, with registration through the LA County Agricultural Commissioner. You must comply with setback requirements, maintain a 6-foot flyway barrier, and provide an on-site water source.
How do I register my beehives in LA County?
Register annually with the LA County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures as required by California Food and Agricultural Code Section 29040.
Compare other topics
See how Santa Monica and South San Gabriel compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool