Beekeeping policies relaxed in San Carlos

“This was all about the balance,” Assistant City Manager Nil Blackburn said, who presented the proposed updated regulations to the council. “We started from a place where we were over restrictive and we were asked to lessen that.”

In 2022, the city held a study session on the matter and learned that San Carlos maintained one of the most restrictive beekeeping policies in the county. Officials mainly heard from proponents the need for more relaxed regulations. They primarily cited the benefits outweigh possible nuisances like bee sting allergies that may be fatal.

In January, updates to the animal control section of the San Carlos Municipal Code now explicitly address “bees,” further necessitating updated regulations on beekeeping practices in the city. 

The updated beekeeping policy allows a maximum of two hives on a residential parcel or lot, regardless of size — it previously stated only residential properties greater than 10,000 square feet and less than 20,000 square feet may maintain one hive. 

It also adds a requirement to control flyway — a bees’ flight path — by placing something in front of the opening. It also maintains the previous requirement that a beekeeper maintain a constant water supply nearby to discourage bees to look elsewhere for it. 

Concern was raised at the City Council meeting and at previous meetings by residents who have, or are related to someone who has, severe allergic reactions to bee stings. 

The council addressed this by suggesting an amendment in the resolution requiring a two-week notice period to neighbors, allowing them to raise any concerns they may have before the city will issue the requested permit.

If a concern is raised after the issuance of a permit, it should be directed to the Community Development director to address the matter. 

Councilmember Ron Collins said he understands why families may be nervous about the relaxed regulations but reassured that the council will come back to this matter repeatedly to make sure it is not causing more harm than good.

“We’re trying to improve on what we have, rather than not doing anything at all,” Collins said. “We’re going to find out, if this passes, how effective it is and if we’ll need to modify it.” 

City staff will develop a webpage on the city’s website explaining the new regulations and provide links to community resources and organizations, such as the Beekeepers Guild of San Mateo County. Additionally, it will include guidelines for responsible beekeeping, site assessments, tips on the types of plants that can attract or deter honey bees, and swarm removal services. 

“We appreciate everyone’s participation in this process,” Mayor John Dugan said. “We have relaxed our beekeeping policy but are working to protect the neighbors as well.”