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unpermitted and take action only if it becomes a nuisance. Regardless of their approach, most of 16 California cities that have adopted beekeeping regulations have had generally positive experiences with few reported problems. As proposed by the code amendment, the process would be primarily administered by staff and closely . tracks that used for small scale planning projects that at least some potential for neighborhood impacts such as the administrative Design Review or permit process for large family daycare facilities. The beekeeper would be required to submit an application that would include basic information regarding the property and layout of the operation. Staff would review the application to ensure conformance with the performance standards and notify neighbors within a 100 foot radius of the site. This is the same radius used for large family daycare facilities but larger than that used for Design Review applications. Neighbors may register their objections to the application during the 7 day noticing period and staff would weigh the merits of the objection in deciding whether or not to approve the application — reasonable medical claims would result in denial of the permit application. The decision to approve or reject the application would be followed by a 15 day appeal period, with the final decision being reported on the Zoning Administrator's report to the City Council. This decision could then be appealed to the Planning Commission and then City Council, or pulled from the report by either the Council or Commission. Following the appeal period, city staff would inspect the hive to ensure conformance with the performance measures. Mr. Weinstein reviewed the proposed performance standards, which incorporate the science and best practices of beekeeping and are crafted to ensure that the activity is undertaken safely, productively and without nuisance to neighbors. • Beekeeping would be allowed only in the Agricultural zoning district and on properties with detached single-family homes, which are found in the R-1 and R-M zones and within the Downtown Specific Plan area. It would not be allowed in any residence that is not single-family and detached, regardless of zoning district. • The applicant must live on the property where the hive is located. • Hives must be located at least 5 feet from property lines and are generally confined to rear yards. • Only 2 hives are permitted on single-family residential properties and no more than 10 are permitted on properties within agricultural districts. • Equipment must be kept in good order to prevent conditions that would encourage bees to leave the hive or swarm. This includes requirements for a water source, removable frames and other similar amenities. • A flyaway barrier, typically in the form of a fence or hedge, shall be provided so that bees are required to cross the property line at a minimum height of 6 feet. • The hive entrance must be oriented away from or parallel to the nearest property line. • The queen bee must be replaced regularly to prevent swarming. These standards and provisions allow for the rejection of a permit application if beekeeping is found to be contrary or detrimental to public health. The Planning Commission also added a provision allowing for more flexibility on lots with unique size, location or topographical characteristics. On January 28, 2015 the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed ordinance. The Commission engaged in a wide-ranging discussion that included everything from colony counts to fees to beekeeping at the White House. Following its discussion, the Commission made two changes to the proposed ordinance. The first was to clarify the maximum hive height of 4 feet would be inclusive of a stand. The second was to allow the Zoning Administrator to approve additional or taller hives for properties with the characteristics previously mentioned. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 12 February 17, 2015