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Irvine · Building on your lot

Pets, chickens and bees in Irvine

Irvine's own rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Irvine Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Irvine's code says

Irvine code What Irvine's code adds
Bees
  • Yes, up to 2 Langstroth beehives.
    Applies: Needs a residential beekeeping permit; lot at least 2,400 square feet; hives in the rear yard behind side yard fencing.
    § 3-41-4 · code text
    Maximum Number of Beehives: Two Langstroth beehives.
Large animals
  • A permit may be issued to keep livestock; the animal services officer sets a reasonable number of animals.
    Applies: Applies to livestock kept at the location named in the permit application.
    § 4-5-905 · code text
    The animal services officer may, after inspection of those animals and facilities for which the application is filed, and after review of any voluntary or solicited community input, and any other related information pertaining to the keeping of livestock, recommend that such a permit be issued and shall determine the number of animals that are reasonable to be kept at the location.
Permit
  • A residential beekeeping permit is required.
    Applies: Applies to residential beekeeping.
    § 3-41-4 · code text
    All submittals for a residential beekeeping permit shall comply with all of the following requirements and development standards:
  • A permit is required for any hive or swarm of bees in the City.
    Applies: Unless an express exception applies for certain nonresidential school, medical or permitted zoning uses.
    § 4-5-1009 · code text
    It shall be unlawful for any person to have, keep or maintain any unpermitted hive or swarm of bees within the City.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Irvine?

Irvine's code: Yes, up to 2 Langstroth beehives. (Needs a residential beekeeping permit; lot at least 2,400 square feet; hives in the rear yard behind side yard fencing.) (§ 3-41-4).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Irvine's pets, chickens and bees rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Irvine Municipal Code — full text