In All Zoning Districts:
Registration with the San Mateo
Agricultural Commission: All hives
require an application and must be
registered with the San Mateo County
Agricultural Commissioner. Proposed
changes to the number and location of
beehives on a lot requires review by the
Planning Division for approval. All
changes must be reported to the San
Mateo Agricultural Commission.
Neighbor notification: Occupants on
neighboring properties shall be notified
of proposed hive location prior to the
submission of an application.
Notification of
Pollinator-friendly vegetation: Pollinatorfriendly plant sources and water must be provided onsite to sustain honeybee
colonies. Information on what types of
plants may be appropriate can be
found on the California Native Plant
Society: calscape.org
Beekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted Citywide subject to all
applicable requirements in South San Francisco
Municipal Code Section (SSFMC) 20.350.007 (“Animal
Keeping”).
These requirements are designed to keep people
and pets safe while also allowing opportunities for
keeping hives on residential and commercial
properties for educational activities and selfenrichment.
Application Process and submittal items
• Completed and signed Beekeeping
Application
• Site Plan which includes the following:
• Property lines
• Lot Dimensions
• All buildings/Structures
• Proposed location and dimensions of hives
and flyway barrier,
• Show distance of hives from flyway barrier,
property lines, dwellings, trees, fence, and
neighboring buildings.
City of South San Francisco
Beekeeping Regulations
• Residential
Residential Zoning Districts
include the following: RL RM, RH,
DRM, and DRH.
• If you are interested in applying
to keep bees on a property in
one of these districts, the
following standards apply:
• Hives are restricted to rear yards.
• A flyway barrier such as a hedge
or fence that is a minimum of 6
feet and a maximum of 8 feet in
height.
• Flyway barrier must be placed
parallel to the property line and
be placed between 3 and 5 feet
from the hive’s entryway.
• The surrounding area within a10-
foot radius of the hives must be
completely clear of dense brush,
low-lying branches, and tall
weeds to avoid impeding the
bees flight path.
Non-Residential
Non-Residential Districts include the
following: DRC, LNC, GAC, DTC, ETC<
CC, BPO, BTP, BTP-H, MIM, MIH, PCP, S,
PR, OS, PD, and all form-based zones
(T3N, T3ML, T4L, T5C) Bees kept on
these lots are subject to the following
standards:
• Hives shall be placed a
minimum of 25 feet away from
all property lines, public seating
areas, and pedestrian areas.
• Screening of hives is required in
non-residential districts.
Acceptable screening includes
a flyway barrier such as a
hedge, fence, or lattice that is
a minimum of 6 feet and a
maximum of 8 feet in height.
• Flyway barriers must be placed,
parallel to the property line, and
sit between 3 and 5 feet from
the hive’s entryway
• Rooftop Hives must be located
at a minimum of 8 feet above
grade.
Local Beekeeping
Resources
Beekeepers Guild of San Mateo County: Onestop site for community education, beginner beekeeping resources, events, literature, and
information on where to purchase equipment.
Website: sanmateobeeguild.org
Email:[email protected]
San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control:
Manages invasive insect and rodent species for
San Mateo County. Requests for service can be
submitted through the website.
Website: www.smcmvcd.org
Phone: 650-344-8592
NorCal Bees: Provides 24/7 Emergency Bee,
wasp, hornet, and yellow jacket Removal, hive
installation, hive maintenance services, and
bee sales.
Website: norcalbees.com
Email: [email protected] ·
Phone:415-525-9126