Kern County Municipal Code Ch. 7.50 Bees

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

A. "Apiary" means one (1) or more hives of bees.

B. "Hive" means any receptacle or container which is made or prepared for the use of bees, or which is inhabited by bees.

C. "Colony" means one (1) hive and its contents, including bees, comb, and appliances.

(Ord. No. G-8745, § 2, 12-12-17)

Every person that is the owner or is in possession of an apiary which is located in Kern County shall register the number of colonies in each apiary and the location of such with the Kern County agricultural commissioner. Registration is required on January 1 of each year or within thirty (30) days thereafter, or alternatively within thirty (30) days of transportation into the county. Registration shall be valid until January 1 of the following year.

(Ord. No. G-8745, § 2, 12-12-17)

Every person owning or in possession of an apiary located on premises other than that of his residence shall identify such apiary by affixing a sign thereto showing the name of the owner or the person in possession of the apiary, his address and his telephone number or, if he has no telephone, a statement of that fact. Such person shall affix such a sign on the longer side of the hive or the longer side of the super, prominently located on the entrance side of the apiary, and shall maintain such sign thereon at all times. Such signs shall be in black letters at least one (1) inch in height on white or other contrasting color. The lettering shall be printed, stenciled, or the equivalent thereof, in black paint or black ink.

(Ord. No. G-8745, § 2, 12-12-17)

No person shall place or maintain an apiary upon the land of another unless he first secures written permission from the owner or person entitled to possession of the land to place the apiary thereon.

(Ord. No. G-8745, § 2, 12-12-17)

In order to prevent bees from being a hazard or nuisance to persons, no person shall place or maintain an apiary less than the following prescribed distances from the objects specified:

A. Twenty (20) feet from the right-of-way of a state highway or county road.

B. One-quarter (¼) mile from the outside boundary of any school or park.

C. Two hundred (200) feet from any occupied residence or any building which is occupied for business purposes, unless the person or persons occupying such residence or building give written consent to the apiary being located at a lesser distance.

D. Two hundred (200) feet from a swimming pool or an air strip which is being used by airplanes on a regular basis.

(Ord. No. G-8745, § 2, 12-12-17)

The owner of person in possession of an apiary shall provide the bees with an adequate supply of water of a quality suitable for bees. The water shall be available in immediate proximity to the apiary.

(Ord. No. G-8745, § 2, 12-12-17)

A. Any person violating any of the provisions of Sections 7.50.002 or 7.50.003 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided in Section 1.12.030.

B. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter, other than Sections 7.50.002 and 7.50.003, shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punishable as provided in Section 1.12.020.

C. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter may be penalized by administrative penalty as set forth in Chapter 8.54.

(Ord. No. G-8745, § 2, 12-12-17; Ord. No. G-9099, § 2, 5-10-22)

The Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards is authorized to administer and enforce this chapter. The Agricultural Commissioner may collect fees for the costs of administration and enforcement in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Board of Supervisors. The Agricultural Commissioner may establish such additional rules, regulations, and procedures as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

(Ord. No. G-9099, § 3, 5-10-22)