Urban Bee Impact

- Possible Solutions -

Most cities have ordinances in place to protect residents. The subject of bee droppings and bees invading property was not as prominent as it is these days with the proliferation of hobbyists bees being brought into the city. San Francisco is unique since we have so many attached homes and dense neighborhoods.

Currently the SFBA and Representatives from impacted residents have met with City officials to share concerns and find a way to resolve complaints. Both sides agree that not all hives create a problem, but there needs to be an enforceable regulation to resolve complaints.

Hopefully we can create an ordinance that will work for the residents and beekeepers. We need to be able to address complaints and make sure hives are not put in "sensitive areas." Also, if residents experience negative impact they should be able to have their complaints heard and resolved, and have the hives moved to a more suitable site.

Hobbyist Beekeeping has become a fad and many Bee groups are approaching cities to get them to loosen their policies or to allow an unmonitored amount of honey bees into residential neighborhoods. We have asked the Bee Organizations to mention the fact that bee droppings can impact neighbors on their websites, but they do not. Having an uncontrolled amount of hobbyist honey bees on one block is not "saving" the bee.

The following are just examples of other cities solutions. We hope to have something simple that will be able to address if a hive becomes a problem.

Other Bay Area Cities have recognized the impact of urban beekeeping and have taken action to manage the issue. Some cities require permits anywhere from $25 to $250. They also require the beekeepers to take classes about beekeeping and follow a guideline called "best management practices," and if there are complaints, they must be moved. They also need to get written permission from neighbors.

It is not fair for residents to bear the responsibility of a neighbor's hobby.

-The City's of Tiburon and Palo Alto require a permit and signatures of non-objection from adjacent neighbors. (The form should inform the neighbors of the impact of high numbers of bees and their excrement.)

-Some cities have lot size requirement and many cities require beekeepers to follow the "Best Management Practices.” Palo Alto requires a hive be 25 ft. away from property lines. The city council was not aware of the far reaching impact of bees and their poop.

- Pleasanton rejects a beekeeping application if a neighbor allergic to stings lives within 100 feet and permission from neighbors, said Adam Weinstein, a city planner.

We are aware that that there are many organizations in the Bay Area that encourage urban beekeeping and give classes. It would be a good idea if the classes make sure the students understand the complexities of beekeeping and also inform them of the impact of the bees on neighborhoods. Also, remind them that bees will roam and potentially swarm in large numbers into neighbors yards.

Some cities require that the beekeepers prevent their bees from swarming. The experienced beekeeper knows how to do this. The bees will still roam into neighboring properties to forage.

A resident attended a Bee organization meeting and showed the members a photo of bee poop on a car. Many of the members were not aware that the stuff all over their own homes and cars was bee poop form their own hives. Just like most people in the world, they didn't know what it was. Some members didn't even know that bee's poop. Beekeeping is a responsibility.

We feel that if unfortunate neighbors are being negatively impacted and are in the flight pattern of the bees, the beekeeper should remove the hive. There are other more appropriate places where the owner can still manage the hive.

In the San Francisco Bay Area the Watershed Department near Crystal Springs allows beekeepers to place their beehives within the boundaries and the beekeepers can manage his or her own hive. There is a small charge.

Most beekeepers understand that it is a privilege to have a beehive in the city. It has always been a code of conduct to move the hive if it impacts a neighbor, but some hive owners will not move their hive. There must be a way for residents to protect their bodies, property and quality of life.

Dr Karin Alton from the Laboratory of Apiculture says, “We need to bear in mind that the honey bee may have declined but is in no imminent danger of extinction, unlike some other critically endangered insects ... There are better ways to help our declining honeybee population than encouraging beekeeping to the point of overstocking certain areas.

The SF Bee Association is a voluntary group and will remove swarms and also try to get a beekeeper to move the hive to another location if a resident complains. They have a code of conduct asking beekeepers to respect neighbors. While that is great, it does not always work.

Here is a quote from the Peninsula Press:
Eric Mussen, an apiculturist at UC Davis said, "Given the medical and emotional reactions bees can incite, cities may want to start updating or clarifying their regulations sooner than later. Interest in amateur apiculture is expanding rapidly nationwide."

If you feel you have more ideas and solutions to this problem see the contact page.