Bees swarm back to Burlingame

Comfortable that allowing more bees would not encourage a sudden outcropping of urban farming, officials took turns poking fun at the unique opportunity to reduce the restrictions imposed on residents.

“It is about time we decriminalize beekeeping in this city,” joked Vice Mayor Donna Colson, according to video of the meeting, suggesting beekeepers come out of the shadows they were living in previous to the decision.

City Attorney Katherine Kane also noted the seemingly exceptional opportunity for officials.

“This is one of those rare moments in government when we are suggesting removing a regulation,” she said.

On a more serious note, beekeepers expressed their appreciation for the tolerant policy approved by councilmembers.

“We could not have got a better outcome than what we asked for,” said resident Bob Silverstein, who was member of the group which had encouraged officials to consider the change.

Nickie Irvine, a member of the Beekeepers’ Guild of San Mateo County, said the decision will bring Burlingame in line with a majority of other local municipalities by allowing bees.

Under the decision, the guild will also offer education, consultation and informal dispute resolution assistance in instances when beekeeping serves as a source of contention between neighbors.

Such instances are relatively rare, according to a city report, which suggested that only once in the last five years did buzz over bees develop into a serious issue among residents. On that occasion, the guild was able to intervene and help improve the relationship. The Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center is another resource available for mediation.

In instances when beekeeping becomes a more serious affront to quality of life, the report suggests those offended can still rely on code designed to prevent nuisances in filing a complaint with city officials.

Beyond the opportunity to remove an antiquated restriction — approved as a suite of other ordinances decades ago limiting animal keeping in Burlingame — officials noted more bees could combat the ongoing loss of pollinators.

More broadly, the resolution adopted recognizes bees are not a neighborhood nuisance.

“Honey bees are non-aggressive, disperse and travel widely from their home hives and do not threaten the health or well-being of people other than those with identified bee allergies, who must take appropriate precautions when outside regardless of location,” according to the resolution.

Considering the variety of benefits offered by the decision considered to have limited downside, Mayor Michael Brownrigg suggested the decision was one made on a foundation of common sense.

“This is not a terribly controversial decision,” he said.

For her part, Colson suggested she was comfortable with the decision as well.

“I look forward to having more success with bees in this city,” said Colson, who rotated into the mayor position later in the meeting. Councilwoman Emily Beach became vice mayor and Brownrigg returned to being a councilmember at-large.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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