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Report on the second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending Title 20 (Zoning) of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, revising Section 20.350.007 (Animal Keeping), to update beekeeping regulations. (Cecelia Mariscal, Associate Planner)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following action:
1. Waive further reading and adopt an Ordinance amending Title 20 (Zoning) of the South San Francisco Municipal Code revising Section 20.350.007 (Animal Keeping) to update beekeeping regulations.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On July 8, 2026, the City Council reviewed the draft ordinance amending Title 20 (Zoning) of the South San Francisco Municipal Code revising Section 20.350.007 (Animal Keeping), to update beekeeping regulations. Based on feedback and input from the City Council, the draft ordinance has been revised to reflect the following changes highlighted in yellow:
South San Francisco Municipal Code (SSFMC) Section 20.350.007(C)
1. It shall be the duty of every person or entity on whose property bees are kept to adhere to good management practices and maintain bees, which includes keeping the area within a 10-foot radius clear of low-hanging branches, tall weeds, and dense brush that may impede the bees flight path, conducting regular inspections of hives for parasites, pests, diseases, inadequate nutrition, overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation, in a condition that will reasonably prevent disease, swarming, and aggressive behavior.
SSFMC Section 20.350.007(C)(6)
a. Residential Districts. The beehive shall be a minimum of 25 feet away from the property line. The beehive entrance will be directed away from the neighboring property and situated behind a flyway barrier such as a solid fence or hedge between six to eight feet in height, that runs parallel to the property line. The flyway barrier shall be located three to five feet from hive entrance.
b. Non-Residential Districts. Hive stands shal...
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