Beekeeping is allowed in 86% of San Mateo County jurisdictions as long as you don’t create a nuisance for your neighbors (downloadable map). Only four jurisdictions in the county restrict beekeeping:
- San Carlos: Restrictions so stringent that beekeeping is effectively banned for most residents
- Hillsborough: Restricts beekeeping by hive numbers and setbacks making it hard to properly site and raise healthy bees
- Redwood City: Restricts beekeeping by setbacks, making it hard for some beekeepers to properly site a hive
For further information on beekeeping regulations or if you would like to help our Guild’s Bee Legal Task Force to change restrictive regulations, please contact Nickie Irvine, Bee Legal Coordinator.