LA City Council To Vote On Residential Beekeeping Ordinance

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles City Council will vote Wednesday on a final ordinance for urban beekeeping in residential neighborhoods.

If approved, the bill will mandate hobbyists to keep distance requirements from neighboring properties, maintain proper waste sources and limit beehives to one for ever 2,500 square-feet of backyard areas.

However, front yard beekeeping will remain prohibited in residential areas.

According to city officials, backyard beekeeping can help to maintain healthy bee populations.

The hobby also provides opportunities for bees to relocate natural colonies in order to prevent troublesome hive locations.

In September, the City Council voted in favor to finalize the language for the ordinance.

The bill was created in the City's Planning & Land Use Management Committee, and was backed by Councilmember Huizar.

Council members will meet at 10 a.m. in downtown Los Angeles.