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Scotts Valley · Building on your lot

Pets, chickens and bees in Scotts Valley

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

What Scotts Valley's code says

Scotts Valley code What Scotts Valley's code adds
Bees
  • 1 bee colony or hive box.
    Applies: Single-family residential lots over 10,000 square feet; a beekeeping permit is required.
    § 17.46.125 · code text
    One bee colony and/or hive box will be allowed in single-family residential parcels which are greater than ten thousand square feet in size.
  • Up to 2 bee colonies or hive boxes.
    Applies: Single-family residential lots over 40,000 square feet.
    § 17.46.125 · code text
    Single-family residential parcels which are greater than forty thousand square feet may have up to two bee colonies and/or hive boxes;
  • Hives at least 25 feet from any side or rear property line or neighboring home or business.
    Applies: Bee colonies and hive boxes.
    § 17.46.125 · code text
    No bee colony and/or hive box shall be located closer than twenty-five feet from any side or rear property line or adjacent residence or business;
Permit
  • A beekeeping permit.
    Applies: Needed before any bees are kept; issued by the community development director.
    § 17.46.125 · code text
    Beekeeping requires review and approval of a beekeeping permit before any beekeeping on the subject property.
Pet limit
  • No more than 4 dogs and cats in total.
    Applies: Per residence; licensed veterinarians and dog kennel operators are excepted.
    § 6.16.100 · code text
    It is unlawful for any person other than a duly licensed veterinarian or dog kennel operator to keep or maintain more than four cats or four dogs or a combination thereof not to exceed a total of four at or within any one residence within the city.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Scotts Valley?

Scotts Valley's code: 1 bee colony or hive box. (Single-family residential lots over 10,000 square feet; a beekeeping permit is required.) (§ 17.46.125); Up to 2 bee colonies or hive boxes. (Single-family residential lots over 40,000 square feet.) (§ 17.46.125).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Scotts Valley property

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

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Scotts Valley Municipal Code — full text