Title D — ZONING›Division D4 — Standards for Specific Land Uses

Chapter IX — Beekeeping Apiary

San Ramon Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · San Ramon

Contents: D4-85 - Purpose D4-86 - Applicability and Standards

(Ord. No. 534, § 1 (Exh. A-3), 10/14/2025)

D4-85 - Purpose

This Chapter provides standards for residential beekeeping for personal purposes as a hobby within applicable residentially zoned properties.

(Ord. No. 534, § 1 (Exh. A-3), 10/14/2025)

Effective on: 11/13/2025

D4-86 - Applicability and Standards

  • A. Permitted Areas. Beekeeping and Apiaries for personal purposes as a hobby are permitted within residential properties on lots of at least 6,000 square feet and with access to a private yard within the Single-Family Residential (RS), Rural Conservation (RC), Hillside Residential (HR), and Residential Estate (RE) zones.

  • B. Number of Hives. Up to two hives are allowed on a lot of at least 6,000 square feet. One additional hive is allowed for every 2,500 square feet of lot area. A maximum of 10 hives shall be allowed on any residential property.

  • C. Setbacks and Height Limits. Beekeeping and apiary structures shall be located in the rear or side yard with a minimum 6 feet from the side and rear property lines and a minimum of 25 feet from the front property line. The maximum height of a beehive and apiary structure shall be 6 feet, measured from the ground level where the structure is located to the top of the structure.

  • D. Flyaway Barrier. A beehive located less than 100 feet from a neighboring structure, or outdoor living area, including swimming pools, shall provide a flyaway barrier. The flyaway barrier shall be:

    1. A minimum of 6 feet in height, consisting of a solid wall or fence or dense vegetation, and

    2. A minimum of 20 feet long, centered on and perpendicular to the shortest line that could be drawn between the hive and the neighbor’s residence or outdoor living area.

  • E. Water. A convenient source of water shall be made available to the bees at all times during the year so that the bees are not encouraged to visit other water sources where they may cause human or domestic pet contact.

(Ord. No. 534, § 1 (Exh. A-3), 10/14/2025)

City of San Ramon, CA | Municipal Code

178

Effective on: 11/13/2025