Rules on beekeeping vary greatly throughout the county. Some jurisdictions don’t regulate at all, while others demand—in theory, at least—a bundle of cash for a beekeeping permit.
Rules on beekeeping vary greatly throughout the county. Some jurisdictions don’t regulate at all, while others demand—in theory, at least—a bundle of cash for a beekeeping permit.
Capitola is the most easygoing town in the county when it comes to backyard beekeeping: no permit required.
Santa Cruz (city) An apiary permit for a residential property costs $1,300 and requires a hearing so neighbors can complain ahead of time. The limit is two hives, and they must be 25 feet from the property line. The buzz on the streets, though, is that few prospective beekeepers go through this rigamarole, preferring sweet petty criminality to bitter procedural hassle.
Santa Cruz County Bees are permitted on Residential Agriculture–zoned land, but it requires notifying the county bee inspector within 24 hours. See above for the popularity of engaging with the county on this procedure.
Scotts Valley Last August, Scotts Valley started allowing one hive per quarter-acre parcel with a permit ($124) through the Community Development Department. No one has applied and the department is unaware of any hives in town.
Watsonville Two hives are permitted on any parcel as long as they’re 100 feet from the property line and 25 feet from any dwelling.
Compiled by Maya Weeks
