09 - Laserfiche WebLink

refer to the matrix in Exhibit B). Staffs research indicates that beekeeping is a use that is compatible with other suburban uses, as domestic bees are typically docile and nonaggressive, and become defensive only when their hives are directly threatened. In addition, allowing for beekeeping in urban locations is thought to be a potential means to mitigate Colony Collapse Disorder, a phenomenon in which bee populations around the world (including in the western U.S) have declined in substantial numbers. Small-scale beekeeping is thought to be beneficial to bee populations because it incorporates a diverse range of flowering plants, is generally characterized by low pesticide use, is less dependent on monocultured agricultural crops, and requires less transportation of bee colonies. Potential Risks of Beekeeping While honey bees are considered docile, they will sting when they feel threatened, which is the most obvious risk of being near a bee. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that two percent of people are hypersensitive (have life- threatening results) to bee stings. All bee stings can hurt and it is a natural experience to have swelling, itching, and redness after being stung and these are considered normal (not allergenic) reactions. Another risk of beekeeping is swarming. Bees have a natural desire to swarm, which is a common occurrence for feral colonies or colonies that are not properly maintained by a beekeeper. Swarming typically occurs in the late spring when hive populations become congested and hives fill with honey. Beekeepers can monitor their colonies to help prevent swarming; however, the beekeeper cannot always prevent swarming and some of the colony may willingly leave the hive to find a new location. An increased number of urban hives could also encourage bees to swarm due to competition for pollen and airspace. While swarming is not as common for diligent beekeeping hobbyists, swarming may occur if bees are not able to pollinate. Colonization by other nuisance species (including Africanized bees and wasps) is also a potential problem, but would be unlikely to occur due to the natural defense mechanisms of domestic bees and best practice apiary maintenance. Africanized bees, originally produced by breeding African honey bees with European domestic bees, are more defensive and aggressive than domestic bees, but have not spread to the Bay Area and are thought to be unable to survive well in climates that are subject to frosts/freezes. In addition, hives colonized by nuisance species (or any species other than Apis Mellifera) would be explicitly prohibited by the draft ordinance. Based on research, data collection, interviews, and site visits, staff has drafted the following proposed code amendments for consideration and recommendation to the City Council. PROPOSED CODE AMENDMENTS If adopted, the proposed PMC amendments would rescind Ordinance 145 and would allow the keeping of honey bees as a permitted use on A (Agricultural) zoned land, on P14-1276, Beekeeping Planning Commission Page 7 of 13