Beekeeping — Locational Requirements
San Diego Municipal Code § 44.0408
in effect§44.0408 Beekeeping — Locational Requirements
(a) An apiary consisting of three or more beehives shall be located no closer than 600 feet from a building used as a residence, other than the residence located on the same premises as the beehives, and a minimum of 100 feet from the public right-of-way.
(b) An apiary consisting of two or fewer beehives may be maintained in accordance with the following:
(1) The apiary shall be located outside of all required setbacks as established by Chapter 13, Article 1 of this Code, or fifteen feet from the property line and 20 feet from all public rights-of-way, whichever is greater;
(2) A minimum 6-foot tall barrier shall surround the beehive leaving sufficient space to properly maintain the beehive except that the barrier shall not be required when the beehive is elevated at least eight feet above grade;
(3) The beehive is not visible from the public right-of-way;
(4) The beehive is in a location that is secured from unauthorized access;
(5) The opening of the beehive faces the most distant property line;
(6) The opening of the beehive faces away from entrances and walkways on the premises to the exent possible while ensuring that the entrance faces the most distant property line;
(7) The beehive structure is a pale color; and
(8) The beehive is requeened at least once every two years.
(“Beekeeping — Distance from Buildings” added 6–8–1977 by O–12084 N.S.)
(Retitled to“Beekeeping — Locational Requirements“ and amended 2-22-2012 by O-20137 N.S.; effective 3-23-2012.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter04/Ch04Art04Division04.pdf#page=2Fetched: 10/28/2026