Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Koren J. Widdel, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Subject: Amend Resolution No. 081558 to correct an error and clarify that the waiver of California Food and Agricultural Code Apiary Registration Fees applies to hobbyist beekeepers with nine or fewer colonies.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution amending and restating Resolution No. 081558, to correct an error and clarify that the apiary registration fee waiver, authorized pursuant to Title 3, Section 2951 of the California Code of Regulations and Section 29044(a) of the California Food and Agricultural Code, applies to hobbyist beekeepers maintaining nine or fewer colonies.
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BACKGROUND:
On March 20, 2025, Title 3, Section 2951 of the California Code of Regulations was updated to establish a new fee schedule for the registration of beehives, effective January 1, 2026. California Food and Agricultural Code (“FAC”) Section 20944 mandates an annual statewide registration fee for each beekeeper, apiary owner, apiary operator, broker, or person in possession of any apiary.
FAC Section 29044(a) further provides that the Board of Supervisors of any county, with the approval of the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (“CDFA”), may waive the registration fee for any beekeeper, apiary owner, apiary operator, or person who is a hobbyist, not engaged in the business of beekeeping, and who possesses nine or fewer colonies. Consistent therewith, on or about October 7, 2025, the CDFA issued a letter to “All County Agricultural Commissioners” in California which provides blanket approval for County Boards of Supervisors to waive the apiary registration fee for those who meet these criteria.
On December 9, 2025, this Board adopted Resolution No. 081558, the purpose of which was to authorize the apiary registration fee waiver for hobbyist beekeepers maintaining nine or fewer colonies. However, Resolution No. 081558 erroneously provided that the fee waiver applied to hobbyist beekeepers with fewer than nine colonies.
DISCUSSION:
For the reasons set forth herein, the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer recommends that this Board amend Resolution No. 081558 to clarify and confirm that the intended apiary registration fee waiver is authorized for hobbyist beekeepers in San Mateo County who maintain nine or fewer colonies. Amending the resolution will clarify the qualifications for those who will be subject to the fees.
Implementing this waiver will reduce financial burdens on small-scale beekeepers and encourage compliance with state registration requirements.
Registration also provides important benefits, including participation in the Pollinator Protection Program, which notifies registered beekeepers of pesticide applications within one mile of their hives. This information helps protect colonies from pesticide exposure, supports efforts to prevent the spread of invasive pests, and assists in deterring and investigating apiary theft.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2023-24 Actual |
FY 2024-25 Actual |
FY 2025-26 Target |
|
Number of Beekeeper Registrations in compliance with State Regulations |
65 |
64 |
65 |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Even modest fees can deter participation and by waiving the apiary registration fee for hobbyist beekeepers with nine or fewer colonies enables more individuals and families to engage in small-scale or community-based beekeeping activities. This will encourage broader participation in sustainable agricultural practices across diverse communities regardless of income level contributing to local food systems, environmental stewardship, and pollinator health without operating as commercial enterprises.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this resolution.