What are the beekeeping laws in California.

[Jd's beez]

Thinking about getting about 10 hives and wanted to know if anyone knows the laws about keeping them in San Joaquin county. I need to know if I need to and how to register my colonies and how much money it will cost and any others laws you may know, thanks!

[Nantom670]

Here are some bee associations in California, you can call one of them and they can probably give you help. Otherwise just check with your state agricultural office. http://www.californiastatebeekeepers...iatedclubs.htm

[odfrank]

Zoning laws are regulated by the towns and hive management laws are managed by the county.

[JRG13]

Yes, ask ur local county ag office if you need to register, it would be through them anyway.

[KQ6AR]

Most cities have laws, if you can check you're city on-line check it that way. If you ask them they often tell you you can't have them at all.
The county rules, you register you're hives with the department of agriculture, they can not tell the city about you're hives because of privacy laws.

[Almondralf]

I register mine with the Ag Commissioner - it costs $10.- a year. The advantage is with the registration you may request a notice of pesticide application if a farmer sprays pesticides harmful to bees next to you.

[Jd's beez]

I register mine with the Ag Commissioner - it costs $10.- a year. The advantage is with the registration you may request a notice of pesticide application if a farmer sprays pesticides harmful to bees next to you.

is it mandatory to register though, like will I be in trouble if I don't have them registered?

[KQ6AR]

You are supposed to but, my county ag agent told me most beekeepers don't. In his opinion since there aren't any inspectors to check hives anymore he didn't think it made a difference.
The law says you have to, but he was just giving his honest personal opinion to me.

They can also give you the certificate you need to sell at farmers markets, if you register.