Knowledge Base

Beekeeping is allowed if the following requirements are met:

1. A permit is required. Several items must be submitted with each beekeeping application, including a site plan of the property, approval of the property owner, and documentation that adjacent property owners have been notified of the applicant’s intent to keep bees. Refer to the application form for further details.
2. Beekeeping is allowed for single-family homes and in association with community gardens.
3. The number of hives allowed depends on the size of the lot where the bees will be kept. For residential lots, typically two hives are allowed.
4. Hives must be kept in the backyard, and must be placed at least five feet from the rear and side property lines.
5. Flyway barriers and water must be provided, and other maintenance requirements must be met.

The permit application is available here: Beekeeping Permit (external link)

Submit beekeeping permit applications at the Building Permits Counter, northeast corner of City Hall, 9500 Civic Center Drive.