Council Approves Beekeeping Rules

More than a year after the issue was first brought to the city council, Redondo Beach councilmen unanimously approved a set of ordinances that would allow residents to keep bees on their properties without having to petition the city for a special permit.

In June 2012, the Redondo Beach City Council approved the city's first beekeeping permit and directed staff to prepare ordinances that would legalize beekeeping as long as the residents wishing to keep hives obtain a $45 permit.

Previously, beekeeping was deemed a nuisance under the city's municipal code. The council last June approved the $45 beekeeping permit fee, but beekeepers still had to petition the council if they wanted hives in their backyards.

The new ordinances establishes the procedure for obtaining a beekeeping permit; allows the city to collect fees for the permit; establishes regulations for the condition of the hives; requires hive maintenance; gives animal control officers the authority to inspect hives; and defines when a hive may become a public nuisance. 

The ordinances were approved as part of the consent calendar without any discussion from the council. Before they become law, the ordinances must be read and approved a second time.

It's not yet known when the second reading of the ordinances will be.

Previously:

• Redondo Beach Legalizes Beekeeping