Pets, chickens and bees in San Diego

§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 4 4 3 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 O–12084 N.S.) (Retitled to“Beekeeping — Fire Safety“ and amended 2-22-2012 by O-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 O–12084 N.S.) (Retitled to“Beekeeping — Locational Requirements“ and amended 2-22-2012 by O-20137 N.S.; effective 3-23-2012.) Ch. Art. Div. 4 4 4 2 San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 4: Health and Sanitation (3-2012)

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.