Beekeeping in Lemon Grove, California

Hive limit: Up to four beehives, each no larger than fifteen cubic feet in volume.

Note: Lemon Grove requires a beekeeping permit from development services, with a fee, and county registration before you start rather than after. Up to four hives, each no bigger than fifteen cubic feet. The setbacks are modest for a small operation, 25 feet from streets and neighbouring homes and 15 feet from side and rear lot lines, but they step up sharply once you pass two hives: three or four hives need 100 feet from neighbouring dwellings, so plan the number and the placement together. Two requirements catch people out. Only docile bee species are allowed, and whenever you are working the hive you must have a shovel and a two-and-a-half gallon water extinguisher within reach.

• The beekeeper must apply for a beekeeping permit on a form from the development services department, with a nonrefundable fee set by council resolution. Up to four beehives may be permitted. 18.16.060(B)(1)-(2)
• Beehives must be at least 25 feet from the exterior line of the travelled way of any public street, at least 25 feet from the exterior line of any private access easement, at least 15 feet from any side or rear lot line, and at least 25 feet from neighbouring dwellings. For three to four hives, a 100 foot separation from neighbouring dwellings is required. 18.16.060(B)(2)
• Sufficient open water must be available near the hives in hot and dry weather in compliance with vector control regulations, hives must be well maintained at all times, no hive may exceed fifteen cubic feet in volume, and only docile bee species are permitted. 18.16.060(B)(3)-(6)
• Registration with the County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures is required prior to beekeeping activities. 18.16.060(B)(7)
• Firefighting materials must be kept in good working condition and sufficiently near the hive to be immediately available in case of fire whenever the hive is attended by the keeper: a shovel, and a fire extinguisher of the two and one half gallon water-under-pressure type. 18.16.060(B)(8)