El Segundo Municipal Code Ch. 6 Beekeeping

A. Bee hives may only be maintained in the rear yard on a single-family residential property. For purposes of this Chapter, the term “rear yard” has the same meaning as defined in Section 15-1-6 of this Code.

B. A maximum of three bee hives may be maintained on any single-family zoned property, in the rear yards only, for noncommercial purposes.

C. All bee colonies shall be kept in inspectable hives consisting of moveable frames and combs.

D. Hives must be kept in sound and usable condition at all times.

E. Any person intending to place and maintain any bee hive on a single-family residential zoned property within the City must first register with County Agricultural Commissioner.

F. Hives shall be located at least five feet from all property lines.

G. Hive entrances shall face away from or parallel to the nearest property line(s).

H. Hives must either be screened so that the bees must fly over a six-foot barrier, which may be vegetative, before leaving the property, or be placed at least eight feet above the adjacent ground level. (Ord. 1624, 5-18-2021)

A. Hives shall be continually managed to provide adequate living space for their resident bees to prevent swarming.

B. Hives shall be requeened at least once every two years to prevent swarming.

C. A water source for bees shall be provided at all times on the property where the bees are kept to discourage bee visitation at swimming pools, hose bibs and other water sources on adjacent public or private property.

D. Hive maintenance materials or equipment must be stored in a sealed container or placed within a building or other bee-proof enclosure. (Ord. 1624, 5-18-2021)

Notwithstanding the requirements contained in Section 6-6-1 and Section 6-6-2, bees or hives shall be considered a public nuisance when any of the following occurs:

A. Colonies of bees exhibit defensive or objectionable behavior, or interfere with the normal use of neighboring properties.

B. Colonies of bees swarm.

C. Bees or hives do not conform to this Code.

D. Hives become abandoned by resident bees or by the owner. (Ord. 1624, 5-18-2021)