4. Attach A, Draft new beekeeping ordinanceChapter 8.07
BEEKEEPING
Section
8.07.010 Definitions.
8.07.020 Maintenance of Beehives.
8.07.030 Identification of Premises.
8.07.040 Penalty.
8.07.010 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply, unless it is apparent from
the context that a different meaning is intended:
“Apiary” means bees, hives and appliances wherever the same are kept, located or found.
“Bees” means honey-producing insects of the species apis mellifica, including the adults,
eggs, larvae, pupae or other immature states thereof, together with such materials as are
deposited into hives by their adults, except honey and rendered beeswax.
“Hive” means any receptacle or container made or prepared for the use of bees, or a box or
similar container of which bees have taken possession.
“Location” means any premises upon which an apiary is located.
8.07.020 Maintenance of Beehives.
Any persons keeping or maintaining apiaries shall conform to the following:
A. No hive shall be located less than ten feet from any side or rear property lines of the
lot upon which it is located, unless property owners of adjacent properties have given
written permission to locate hives at a closer distance; no hive shall be located less
than 20 feet from any public road.
B. A water supply adequate in quantity for the apiary shall be provided and maintained
on the same lot of said hive(s).
C. All apiaries shall register with the office of the Santa Clara County Agriculture
Commission.
D. Only two hives may be kept or maintained on parcels of 5,000 square feet or less.
8.07.030 Identification of Premises.
Every person maintaining any hive on premises other than their own residence shall
identify the hive by affixing and maintaining signs thereto showing the name of owner or
person in possession of the hive, the owner or persons address and telephone number, or a
statement that the owner or person has no phone. These signs shall be prominently placed and
maintained on each entrance side of the hive and immediately adjoining the same and lettered
in black at least one inch in height on a white or light background.
8.07.040 Penalty.
Except where otherwise specified, any person who violates any of the provisions of this
chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as
provided in Chapter 1.12.