Registration and Identification of Apiaries
Registration is required for every person that owns or possesses an apiary. Each registration is valid until January 1 of the following year. Registration is completed online through BeeWhere.
Registration
Each beekeeper, apiary owner, apiary operator or person in possession of any apiary is required to register. Bee Brokers are also required to register. The fee shall be assessed as a flat rate annually regardless of the number of colonies managed and is valid through December 31 of each year.
| Number of colonies | Fee* |
| 1-9 | $10.00 |
| 10-50 | $100.00 |
| 51+ colonies | $250.00 |
| Broker | $250.00 |
*Fee is based on the total number of colonies and not a per colony basis.
Registrations and fee payments are processed online through BeeWhere at:
Bee Movement
Any person moving bees into San Joaquin County from out-of-state or out-of-county are required to update their apiary locations on BeeWhere within 72 hours.
No person shall locate or maintain an apiary on private land not owned or leased by the person unless the person has approval from the owner of record, or an authorized agent of the owner of record, and can establish approval upon demand of the commissioner. The approval shall include the name and phone number of the person granting approval.
Markings
Apiaries shall have a sign that is prominently displayed on the entrance side of the apiary or stenciled on the hive, that states in dark letters not less than one inch in height on a background of contrasting color, the following:
- Name of the owner or person responsible for the apiary
- Address
- Telephone number
Bee Check / Pesticide Notifications
Each person intending to apply any pesticide toxic to bees to a blossoming plant shall, prior to the application, perform a BeeCheck on BeeWhere.
If the person performing pest control is advised of a request for notification, he or she shall notify the beekeeper, at least 48 hours in advance of the application, of the time and place the application is to be made, the crop and acreage to be treated, the method of application, the identity and dosage rate of the pesticide to be applied and how the person performing pest control may be contacted by the beekeeper.
Hive Strength Inspection
Hive strength inspections may be performed during a period of bloom when bees are contracted for pollination. Please call our Stockton Office at (209)953-6000 for more information.