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Ojai · Building on your lot

Pets, chickens and bees in Ojai

Ojai'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 Ojai Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Ojai's code says

Ojai code What Ojai's code adds
Bees
  • Yes, no more than 1 hive.
    Applies: Applies to lots under 5,000 square feet.
    § 4-25.04 · code text
    No more than one hive shall be maintained on lots having less than 5,000 square feet in area.
  • Yes, no more than 2 hives.
    Applies: Applies to lots of at least 5,000 but less than 10,000 square feet.
    § 4-25.04 · code text
    On lots having at least 5,000 but less than 10,000 square feet in area, no more than two hives shall be maintained.
  • Yes, no more than 1 hive for each 5,000 square feet of additional lot area.
    Applies: Applies to lots over 10,000 square feet.
    § 4-25.04 · code text
    On lots having more than 10,000 square feet in area, no more than one hive shall be maintained for each 5,000 square feet of additional lot area.
  • Hives at least 20 feet from any public street, sidewalk or thoroughfare, and at least 5 feet from property lines.
    § 4-25.04 · code text
    Hives shall not be placed within 20 lineal feet of any public street, sidewalk, or other public thoroughfare.
Large animals
  • Livestock may not roam on others' private property without permission, or on city streets or public places.
    § 5-4.306 · code text
    It is unlawful for any person owning, harboring, or controlling any livestock to permit such livestock to run at large upon the private property of another, without the permission of the person owning or occupying such private property, or upon the streets or public places of the City.
Permit
  • Registration with the County Agricultural Commissioner is required.
    Applies: Applies to each honey bee colony.
    § 4-25.03 · code text
    Each colony shall be registered with the County Agricultural Commissioner and kept in compliance with all State regulations governing bee management and honey production as provided in Division 13 of the California Food and Agriculture Code, Section 29000 et seq.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Ojai's code: Yes, no more than 1 hive. (Applies to lots under 5,000 square feet.) (§ 4-25.04); Yes, no more than 2 hives. (Applies to lots of at least 5,000 but less than 10,000 square feet.) (§ 4-25.04).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Ojai Municipal Code — full text