sonoma county beekeepers association

🔹 1. Similar Characteristics and Intensity

Finding: The use must have characteristics and activities similar to listed uses and not involve greater intensity.

✅ Beekeeping is similar in intensity to listed residential and agricultural activities, such as:

• Gardening, composting, and small-scale food production, which are low-impact and commonly allowed in residential zones.
• Beekeeping involves small physical structures (hives), infrequent maintenance, and no noise, odor, or traffic impacts exceeding normal residential uses.
• Like composting and vegetable gardening, beekeeping contributes to home sustainability without increasing density or infrastructure demands.

🔹 2. Consistency with Zoning District Purpose

Finding: The use must align with the purposes of the zoning district.

✅ In residential and mixed-use areas, the Zoning Code emphasizes livability, sustainability, and neighborhood character. Beekeeping supports these goals by:

• Enhancing urban greening and environmental stewardship.
• Promoting local food systems through pollination of backyard gardens, community gardens, and fruit trees.
• Aligning with community-based, educational, and ecologically beneficial activities already supported by zoning goals.

🔹 3. Consistency with the General Plan

Finding: The use must be consistent with the General Plan and specific plans.

✅ The Santa Rosa General Plan promotes:

• Sustainability, resilience, and climate adaptation.
• Pollinator support and urban agriculture as part of green infrastructure.
• Environmental education and biodiversity protection.

Honey bees directly contribute by:

• Increasing biodiversity through pollination.
• Supporting local food security and environmental awareness.
• Aligning with goals to reduce pesticide use and promote nature-based solutions.

🔹 4. Compatibility with Other Uses

Finding: The use must be compatible with other allowed uses in the district.

✅ Honey bees:

• Do not generate noise, odor, or visual blight.
• Are non-invasive when responsibly managed.
• Enhance surrounding landscaping and gardens by boosting plant health and productivity.

Responsible urban beekeeping, guided by best management practices, ensures compatibility with neighbors and pets.

🔹 5. Not Listed in Another Zoning District

Finding: The use must not be allowed only in another zoning district.

✅ The Zoning Code does not list beekeeping as a use allowed only in agricultural or rural zones, nor does it explicitly prohibit it elsewhere. This means:

• Beekeeping is not confined to farmland.
• Its omission as a listed use invites a reasonable interpretation under the “similar and compatible use” clause.

✅ Conclusion

Beekeeping meets all five criteria for a “similar and compatible use” under Santa Rosa's Zoning Code. Its ecological value, educational potential, and compatibility with existing residential activities make it a fitting land use that supports city-wide sustainability and biodiversity goals—without needing to change the Code itself.