Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutZoning Ordinance Agreement - Backyard Beekeeping Single Family ResidentialCITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REQUEST SUBMITTED BY: DATE: CONTENTS: Recommendation STAFF REPORT INITIATION OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO AMEND PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.10.030 - ALLOWED LAND USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS TO ALLOW BACKYARD BEEKEEPING SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner December 10, 2015 City Council Staff Report, dated August 27, 2015 By Minute Motion, initiate a Zoning Ordinance Amendment that would establish a Backyard Beekeeping Ordinance in single-family zones based on staff's research and recommendation. Discussion On August 27, 2015, staff presented a staff report to discuss the possibility of allowing backyard beekeeping in R-1 single-family zones. Based on the discussion, the City Council continued the matter and appointed Council members Jonathan and Harnick to a subcommittee to work with staff. On November 16, 2015, a subcommittee with staff, Council members, and three (3) residents meet to discuss backyard beekeeping. The committee discussed the decline of honey bees in the United States and how that decline is a threat to our ecosystem, agriculture production, and the food we eat. The committee discussed some of the ordinances that other California cities have approved that allows residential backyard beekeeping. The committee also discussed the potential issues related to bees (bee stings and swarming). However, the committee believed that the issues are more of a perception issue than a real threat to the community, and that there will be a great need for education related to any backyard beekeeping ordinance. Lastly, the committee briefly discussed a National strategy document that was produced by a Pollinator Health Task Force. President Obama established the Pollinator Health Task Force to address the serious decline of the honey bees over the past three (3) Staff Report Backyard Beekeeping Ordinance Initiation December 10, 2015 Page 2 of 2 decades. The document discusses the importance of pollinators in the United States, and strategies for promoting beekeeping at the Federal level. Based on the discussion, the beekeeping committee is recommending that the City Council initiate a Zoning Ordinance Amendment that would allow backyard beekeeping in R-1 single-family zones. If the City Council initiates the Zoning Ordinance Amendment, staff will research other ordinances and will work with the committee to prepare a draft ordinance. The draft ordinance will be reviewed by the Planning Commission for a recommendation, and the City Council will consider the draft ordinance for adoption at a later time. Submitted by: Tony Bagato, Ac{ng Pproval: of Community of Development n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager \\SRV-FIL2K3\groups\Planning\Tony Bagato\Staff Reports\ZOA\Beekeeping Ordinance Discussion\CCSR_Beekeeping Ordinance Initiation.docx CITY OF PALM DE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY STAFF REPORT M .M DATECAE- �9- ,5Z0/S daL�ai FO P EA 10 2%W- REA01N G_. REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF A BACKYARD BEEKEEPING ORDINANCE IN R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES. SUBMITTED BY: Tony Bagato, Principal Planner DATE: August 27, 2015 CONTENTS: Proposed Backyard Beekeeping Ordinance by Mr. Dan Olensnicky City of Santa Monica Beekeeping Ordinance City of San Diego Beekeeping Ordinance City of San Diego Beekeeping Fact Sheet Residential Beekeeping Survey Recommendation By Minute Motion, direct staff to: 1) Initiate a Zoning Ordinance Amendment that would establish a Backyard Beekeeping Ordinance in single-family zones based on staff's research and recommendation, or 2) Enforce the current prohibition of backyard beekeeping in single-family zones that do not allow it. Discussion On June 1, 2015, the City's Code Compliance Division received an anonymous complaint about a property owner who has two (2) beehives in the backyard of a single- family home located in an R-1 single-family zone. Currently, the Zoning Ordinance only permits beekeeping (apiaries) in the City's Residential Estate (RE) Zone and Hillside Planned Residential (HPR) Zone. Beekeeping is allowed in these two (2) zones because the residential lots are rural in nature and much larger (1 acre or larger) than a typical R-1 single-family zone. R-1 single-family lots range between 8,000 square feet and 20,000 square feet. In recent years, cities throughout the Western United States have started considering backyard beekeeping ordinances due to a mysterious bee population reduction and the corresponding pollination challenges. Staff Report Backyard Beekeeping Ordinance Discussion August 27, 2015 Page 2 of 2 Although staff believes that beekeeping is a benefit to the environment, a potential ordinance to allow them in R-1 single-family zones will come with controversy. Staff believes there will be opposition from property owners concerned about bee stings, swarming, and the belief that beekeeping should only be allowed in agricultural zones. The homeowner who currently has two (2) beehives in his backyard has provided a sample ordinance that the City could adopt. In addition, staff has provided example backyard beekeeping ordinances from the cities of Santa Monica and San Diego, and a beekeeping fact sheet from the City of San Diego. Staff contacted several local cities about residential beekeeping. The City of Palm Springs allows residential beekeeping as a Conditional Use Permit. The other cities staff contacted did not allow residential beekeeping. If the City Council believes backyard beekeeping should be allowed in R-1 zones, the City Council needs to initiate a Zoning Ordinance Amendment. Based on City Council direction, staff will present a draft ordinance with regulations based on other ordinances and potential issues related to backyard beekeeping. The Zoning Ordinance Amendment will require a public hearing and recommendation at the Planning Commission before the City Council considers the ordinance. If the City Council does not want to initiate a Zoning Ordinance Amendment, backyard beekeeping in the R-1 single-family zone will remain prohibited, and staff will enforce the prohibition. Submitted by: Tony Bagato Principal Planner proval: Department Head: Lauri Aylaian Director of Community Development CITY COUNMAMM APPROVEDy Ry TT . WAI wi► RECEIVED oTNER M. Wohlmuth NOES:J�hhn Manager A] E m Minute Motion: 1) Continued the ABSTAINt isue to a date uncertain; 2) appointed VERIFIED BYS Councilmembers Harnik and Jonathan OrWad an Fib w t4 to a subcommittee with staff to research the issue and provide recommendation back to the Council. 4-0 G:\Planning\Tony Bagato\Staff Reports\Beekeeping Ordinance Discussion\CCSR_Beekeeping Ordinance Discussion.docx y Proposed Backyard Beeping Ordinance. Definitions. (1) "Bee" shall mean any stage of the common domestic honey bee, Apis Mellifera species. (2) "Hive" shall mean a structure for the housing of a bee colony. (3) "Requeen" means to replace the queen bee in a colony with a younger queen, a common practice in beekeeping to prevent bee swarming. Purpose. (1) The purpose of backyard beeping is to promote the hobby of beekeeping in a safe and sustainable manner, not for production of honey on a commercial basis. (2) Backyard beekeeping is a way to mitigate the decline in population of honeybee pollinators in the United States and in the Coachella Valley. (3) Improved pollination increases the local flower pollination resulting in the beautification of our landscape. It also increases the yield of local fruit trees and gardens in our city, thereby decreasing the dependence on outside farming and fossil fuels in our area. Indirectly this will decrease the city's carbon footprint and financial stress on our residents. (4) Reintroduction of more docile strains of honey bee can displace some of the Africanized strains of honey bees in the Palm Desert area. General Requirements. (1) The applicant shall be registered as a beekeeper with the County of Riverside Department of Agricultural Commissioner. (2) No more than one hive may be maintained on any residential property per each 2500 square feet of total property occupied by the residence. (3) All bee colonies shall be kept in inspectable hives consisting of moveable frames and combs. (4) Hives must be kept in sound and usable condition at all times. Hive Placement Requirements. (1) Hives shall be located at least five feet from all property lines. (2) Hive entrances shall face away from or parallel to the nearest property line(s). (3) Hives must either be screened so that the bees fly over a five-foot barrier, which may be vegetative, before leaving the property, or be placed at least eight -feet above the adjacent ground level. Hive Management Requirements. (1) Hives shall be continually managed to provide adequate living -space for their resident bees to prevent swarming. (2) Colonies shall be re -queened following any swarming or aggressive behavior. (3) A water source for bees shall be provided at all times on the property where the bees are kept to discourage bee reliance on water sources of an adjacent property. (4) Hive maintenance materials or equipment must be stored in a sealed container or placed within a building or other bee -proof enclosure. Nuisance. Bees or hives shall be considered a public nuisance when any of the following occurs: (1) Colonies of bees exhibit repeatedly aggressive behavior, or interfere with the normal use of neighboring properties. (2) Bees or hives do not conform to this code. (3) Hives become abandoned by resident bees or by the owner. (4) Improper management will be determined by a qualified beekeeper or beekeeping society in consultation. , 4.04.130 Bees. Page 1 of 2 dip I Previous I text I lain Article 4 PUBLIC WELFARE, MORALS AND POLICY Chapter 4.04 ANIMALS 4.04.130 Bees. (a) Definitions. (1) "Bee" shall mean any stage of the common domestic honey bee, Apis Mellifera species. (2) "Hive" shall mean a structure for the housing of a bee colony. (3) "Requeen" means to replace the queen bee in a colony with a younger and more productive queen, a common practice in beekeeping to prevent bee swarming. (b) General Requirements. (1) Hives may only be maintained on single-family residential property. (2) No more than two hives may be maintained on any single-family residential property. (3) All bee colonies shall be kept in inspectable hives consisting of moveable frames and combs. (4) Hives must be kept in sound and usable condition at all times. (5) Any person intending to maintain any bee hive on any single-family residential property within the City must first register with the City's Animal Control Office. (c) Hive Placement Requirements. (1) Hives shall be located at least five feet from all property lines. (2) Hive entrances shall face away from or parallel to the nearest property line(s). (3) Hives must either be screened so that the bees must fly over a six-foot barrier, which may be vegetative, before leaving the property, or be placed at least eight -feet above the adjacent ground level. (d) Hive Management Requirements. (1) Hives shall be continually managed to provide adequate living -space for their resident bees to prevent swarming. (2) Hives shall be requeened at least once every two years to prevent swarming. (3) A water source for bees shall be provided at all times on the property where the bees are kept to discourage bee visitation at swimming pools, hose bibs and other water sources on adjacent public or private property. (4) Hive maintenance materials or equipment must be stored in a sealed container or placed within a building or other bee -proof enclosure. (e) Nuisance. Bees or hives shall be considered a public nuisance when any of the following occurs: (1) Colonies of bees exhibit defensive or objectionable behavior, or interfere with the normal use of neighboring properties. (2) Colonies of bees swarm. (3) Bees or hives do not conform to this Code. htti)://www.gcode.uslcodeslsantamonicalview.php?topic=4-4_04-4_04_130&frames=on 7/2/2015 . 4.04.130 Bees. Page 2 of 2 (4) Hives become abandoned by resident bees or by the owner. (f) Penalties for Violations. (1) Any person violating this Section shall be guilty of an infraction, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars, or a misdemeanor, which shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six months or by both such fine and imprisonment. (2) Any person who violates any provision of this Section shall be subject to administrative fines and administrative penalties pursuant to Chapter 1:09 and Chapter 1.10 of this Code. (3) The remedies provided in this Section are not exclusive, and nothing in this Section shall preclude the use or application of any other remedies, penalties or procedures established by law. (Prior code § 4112; amended by Ord. No. 2344CCS, adopted 1/11/11) View the mobile version. C San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 4: Health and Sanitation (3-2012) Article 4: Disease Control — Nuisances Division 4: Beekeeping ("Beekeeping" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0401 Purpose and Intent It is the purpose and intent of this division to provide for the safe and orderly keeping of bees in the City of San Diego by establishing certain minimum standards for the keeping of bees to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of San Diego. ("Purpose and Intent" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0402 Definitions Any word or phrase used in this division and not herein defined shall be given the meaning established for such word or phrase by Chapter 1 of Division 13 of the California Agricultural Code. Whenever in this division the term "Commissioner" is used, it shall mean the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner and regularly appointed employees of the San Diego County Department of Agriculture. ("Definitions" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0403 Provisions Supplement State Laws This division shall in all respects be construed to supplement and harmonize with the provisions of law of the State of California pertaining to bees and the beekeeping industry. ("Provisions Supplement State Laws" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0404 Registration Required Within 30 days of establishing an apiary the owner of the apiary shall register the apiary with the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner and shall reregister in January of every year thereafter while in possession of the apiary. ("Commissioner May Enter Premises" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) (Retitled to "Registration Required" and amended 2-22-2012 by 0-20137 N.S.; effective 3-23-2012.) Ch. Art. Div. 4 1 4 1 4 San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 4: Health and Sanitation (3-2012) §44.0406 Permitted Bee Species Only docile Apis mellifera species (honey bees) shall be permitted by this Division. ("Notice of Violation" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) (Retitled to "Permitted Bee Species " and amended 2-22-2012 by 0-20137 N.S.; effective 3-23-2012.) §44.0408 Beekeeping — Locational Requirements (a) An apiary consisting of three or more beehives shall be located no closer than 600 feet from a building used as a residence, other than the residence located on the same premises as the beehives, and a minimum of 100 feet from the public right-of-way. (b) An apiary consisting of two or fewer beehives may be maintained in accordance with the following: (1) The apiary shall be located outside of all required setbacks as established by Chapter 13, Article 1 of this Code, or fifteen feet from the property line and 20 feet from all public rights -of -way, whichever is greater; (2) A minimum 6-foot tall barrier shall surround the beehive leaving sufficient space to properly maintain the beehive except that the barrier shall not be required when the beehive is elevated at least eight feet above grade; (3) The beehive is not visible from the public right-of-way; (4) The beehive is in a location that is secured from unauthorized access; (5) The opening of the beehive faces the most distant property line; (6) The opening of the beehive faces away from entrances and walkways on the premises to the exent possible while ensuring that the entrance faces the most distant property line; (7) The beehive structure is a pale color; and (8) The beehive is requeened at least once every two years. ("Beekeeping — Distance from Buildings " added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) (Retitled to "Beekeeping — Locational Requirements ".and amended 2-22-2012 by 0-20137N.S.; effective 3-23-2012.) �Ch. �Art. Div. 1 4 1 4 1 4 San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 4: Health and Sanitation (3-2012) §44.0410 Beekeeping — Permission of Landowners It shall be unlawful for any person to place or keep an apiary, or cause or allow an apiary to remain on land not owned or possessed by such person without first obtaining the permission so to do of the owner or person lawfully in possession of such land. ("Beekeeping — Permission of Landowners " added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0411 Beekeeping — Identification Signs Every person owning an apiary located on premises other than where he resides shall identify such apiary by a sign prominently displayed on the entrance side of the apiary stating, in black letters not less than one inch in height on a background of contrasting color, the name of the owner or person in possession of the apiary, his address and telephone number, or, if he has no telephone, a statement to that effect. ("Beekeeping — Identification Signs " added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0412 Beekeeping — Transportation It shall be unlawful for any person to transport hives of bees between sunrise and sunset, or cause the same to be done, unless such bees are confined to the vehicle by which such transportation is accomplished by screen or other equally effective means. ("Beekeeping — Transportation " added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0413 Beekeeping — Fire Safety (a) An apiary comprising three or more beehives shall also include a firebreak not less than 30 feet wide around such apiary, which firebreak shall meet the following specifications: (1) Within the 10 foot wide area closest to the apiary, all flammable or combustible vegetation or material shall be cut or trimmed to a height not greater than six inches above the ground; and (2) Within the area 30 feet from the apiary and lying outside of the outside perimeter of the 10 foot wide area in subparagraph (1), all flammable or combustible vegetation or material shall be trimmed to a height not greater than 12 inches above the ground. (3) Subsections (1) and (2) shall not be construed to require the cutting or removal of individual live trees, unless such cutting or removal is required in writing by an officer or agency authorized by section 44.0417 to enforce section 44.0413. Ch. Art. Div. 4 1 4 1 4 San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 4: Health and Sanitation (3-2012) (4) Subsection (a) shall not apply if the apiary is maintained in a residential zone area unless the Fire Department determines that a firebreak is necessary to protect the public safety. (b) Every person owning, possessing or controlling an apiary comprising two or fewer beehives shall be required to locate the beehives within Brush management Zone One in accordance with San Diego Municipal Code section 142.0412 (Brush Management). ("Beekeeping — Firebreak" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) (Retitled to "Beekeeping —Fire Safety" and amended 2-22-2012 by 0-20137N.S.; effective 3-23-2012.) §44.0414 Beekeeping — Fire Fighting Materials The following fire fighting materials shall be maintained, in good working condition, at all times when the apiary is attended by the keeper, sufficiently near the apiary so as immediately to be available in case of fire: (a) A shovel; and (b) A fire extinguisher, of either the 2 1/2 gallon water —under —pressure type or the 5 gallon back —pump type; provided, that a fire extinguisher, equally effective as those above mentioned, may be used if written authority is first obtained from an officer or agency authorized by Section 44.0417 to enforce this section. A garden hose may be substituted for a fire extinguisher, provided the hose is connected to a source of water. ("Beekeeping — Fire Fighting Materials " added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) (Amended 2-22-2012 by 0-20137N.S.; effective 3-23-2012.) §44.0415 Beekeeping — Bee Smokers A bee smoker, herein defined to mean an appliance utilizing smoke or fire in aid of the manipulation or transportation of bees, shall be used, if at all, in accordance with the following regulations: (a) The bee smoker shall be plugged, while being transported to or from an apiary, with a metal or hardwood plug; (b) All burning or smoldering substances within the bee smoker shall be completely extinguished with water before being transported to or from the apiary, or the bee smoker containing such substances shall be carried in a 4 Arr. container which is securely fastened to the vehicle used for the transportation 4 4 4 4 thereof, San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 4: Health and Sanitation (3-2012) (c) The container shall be used for the transportation of the bee smoker at any time that the bee smoker contains any burning or smoldering substance; (d) The container shall be metal and shall have a top or cover, made of the same material as the container, which shall be securely fastened in the closed position whenever a bee smoker is being transported. ("Beekeeping — Bee Smokers " added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0416 Beekeeping — Water Supply for Bees Every person owning, possessing or controlling an apiary shall maintain within ten (10) feet of each apiary a supply of water which shall be equipped with a float valve or similar device which assures an adequate accessible and usable supply of water for the bees. ("Beekeeping — Water Supply for Bees" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0417 Enforcement Any federal, state, district or city officer or agency that is charged with the duties of fire prevention or control is authorized, within the geographical limits of his or its jurisdiction, to enforce Sections 44.0413 through 44.0415 of this division. ("Enforcement" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S.) §44.0419 Beekeeping Regulated — Exceptions The provisions of this division shall not apply to any apiary which is located and maintained within a school building or museum for the purpose of study or observation or which is located and maintained within a physician's office or laboratory for the purpose of medical research, medical treatment or scientific purposes. ("Beekeeping Regulated —Exceptions" added 6-8-1977 by 0-12084 N.S) Ch. Art. Div. 4 1 4 1 4 In January 2012 the City of San Diego amended its Municipal Code to allow residents of single family homes, community gardens, and retail farms to keep and maintain two beehives: The specific regulations are located in Chapter 4, Article 4, Division 4 of the Municipal Cade and can be found by downloading the following. Chap 04 Art 04 Dior 04, Beekeeping. Where you locate your apiary is determined by the number of hives 1. V f and several factors related to distance including zone setbacks. For specific information regarding the None setback for your property go to the following link and type in your address: View your property by address. You will then receive the zone name for your property. A link to "More Info" takes you to another (sage that directs you to the regulations for your zone. When viewing the regulations go to the Development Regulations Table for your zone and look up "Setback Requirements." You can also call the Development Services Departments " information line at (61 ) 44 5000provide �ycsur address, and. request the name of your zone and the zoning setback y information. You will receive a &� return call with the information. BENEFITS t • Fresh natural honey. • Reduction in the number of aggressive (Africanized) bees in the vicinity of the docile honeybee hive.: • Reduced carbon footprint due to local production, • Increase in the population of docile honeybees. • Increased number of pollinators. • Fresh horsey can be used to alleviate some seasonal allergies. The primary risk of beekeeping is bee sting. If you are going to keep bees you will get stung. A small percentage of the population is allergic to bee stings (estimates range form 2 to 5 percent of the population). If you do not know if you are allergic you should have a physician test you. If you are allergic you should not keep bees,The docile honeybees that are permitted by this ordinance are not aggressive. Beekeeping when done properly poses very limited risks to surrounding properties or property owners. The following provide a way to reduce the risks:. • Discuss beekeeping with your neighbors. • }pen/manipulate hives only during favorable weather. • Survey your surroundings for neighbors and pets before opening/manipulating the hive. • Face the hive opening away from entrances and walkways, and toward the most distant property line. • Even if you are not allergic consider getting an-epi- pen from your physician, so that one is always on hand. SUMMARY OF REGULATIONS • A beekeeper shall register the apiary with the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner within 30 days of establishing the apiary: • An apiary of three or more hives must be at least 600 Feet from a building used as a residence and ] 00 feet from the public right-of-way. • An apiary of one or two hives must be located outside of all setbacks, or fifteen feet from the property line and 20 feet from the public right-of- way, whichever is greater • An apiary of one of two hives must do the following. • Locate the beehive in a secured area. • Requeen the beehive every- two years: • Locate the beehive so that it is not visible from the public right -of way. • Surround the beehive with a six-foot tall barrier unless it is at least eight Feet above the ground. i 0 �LM n< Z N N Ln T N r- n N n M v v W W ar o o� �+ 3 a O n 3 7 < 3 W O fD 2 O roar O w to n O C 7 r+ � Z N O n rr O En oWi (ni O O 7 3 (D Q .a _ (D r+ (D (D (D (D (D (D (D (D (D (D (D (D Ln (D H Vf 0 Ln h Ln (A Vf 0 Ln V1 (D 3 (D Q Z a <' C (D (D 3 a' f + (D O � O V O O F . O O O O O D O r* �. 00 FT DO rr a O O ((DD O O O O O O h O ; a" + * O of Q 7 N r UQ N M (rD ((DD ((DD ((DD (n (n (n d O (D < fD X T (D (D (D (D (D a• (D M Q N CC (D (D (D G Ln V1 (A Ol _7 n n n n n n n n n n n O o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 c c c c c c c c c c c s 1 1 m r r D D D D D D D D D D D m oa as va ao 00 0o as m mm m+ a s 6 O 6 a 'a 'O "6 "6 n. 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 '+ X '•r '+ r+ 0 to * 41- m 1 00 In N _ W 3 O� s s 0 X 3 Ln � CA tail O =++ O (D O S i + 0 3 3 =;; =;; O 3 0 r+ BOO ? Q O <. M , O O O- co O O r+ 0 p� O C r Ln m