1. Create a Citizen Access account
We use a third party application called Citizen Access for Backyard Bee Permit applications. If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.
2. Make sure you have time to apply
This application will take about 10 minutes once you’ve gathered the required information identified below. You can save your application and resume later if you need more time.
3. Review the requirements
Your property must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- Have written permission from the landlord/property owner, if you're renting
Be sure to follow the placement requirements:
- Located in the "rear yard" of the property
- A flyway barrier of six (6) feet in height shall be installed to shield any part of the property line that is within twenty-five (25) feet of a hive
- Hives or boxes must be twenty-five (25) feet minimum from the front of the property
- Hives or boxes shall be kept at least ten (10) feet from a public sidewalk where present
- Hives or boxes must be twenty-five (25) feet from any residence, hospital, school, church, sanitarium, office building, store, hotel, rooming house, or any place of habitation
The maximum number of hives per lot shall be as follows:
- Two (2) hives for a lot that is not greater than 11,000 square feet in area, and
- Four (4) hives for a lot greater than 11,000 square feet but not greater than 22,000 square feet in area, and
- Each hive or box shall have a maximum size of twenty (20) cubic feet
You can look up your property size on the City Assessors Property Search. Once you find your property, scroll down to the Land Information section. You’ll find the total acres listed. If you can’t find your property size, give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section. We'll look it up for you.
4. Make sure you have all the required information
During the application process you will need to upload attachments.
Draw a site plan for your bee hives and/or boxes and yard, with measurements listed. You can use our Site Plan Template in English(PDF, 197KB), which includes a sample.
Include all of this in your site plan:
- All property lines
- All existing buildings or structures on your property
- Fences
- Hives or boxes
- Proposed flyway barrier
If you're renting, you'll need to upload written permission from your landlord.
5. Have your credit/debit card ready
You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the non-refundable permit application fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
6. Apply online
You can find the application under the Urban Agriculture category of Citizen Access.
7. We'll review your application
Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information. We’ll deliver your permit by email if no neighbor objects
8. Reapply after three years
Your permit is valid for 3 years. You'll need to renew your permit after the 3-year period has passed.
Don’t worry, we'll send you an email with instructions on how to renew the permit before yours expires.
