In Santa Rosa, 10-year-old Nicholas Bard’s beekeeping project faced a significant challenge when city officials ordered the removal of his beehive, citing zoning law violations.
The city classified Nicholas’s beekeeping as an “occupation,” which was not permitted under residential zoning regulations. This decision came after an anonymous complaint about insects in the area led officials to the Bard family’s home.
Despite the initial setback, Nicholas and his family, with the help of the Sonoma County Beekeepers Association, rallied support to challenge the city’s decision. The association argued that the zoning code was ambiguous and that exceptions should be made for educational projects like Nicholas’s. The community’s response was overwhelming, with letters and emails flooding City Hall and media coverage highlighting the issue.
Nicholas’s passion for bees began at a young age through his involvement with the local 4-H Club, where he learned about the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem. His interest deepened after meeting Ettamarie Peterson, a retired schoolteacher and beekeeper, who gifted him his first swarm. Nicholas has since grown his swarm into a thriving colony, caring for and even reading to his bees.
The city’s response to the community’s outcry was positive. Santa Rosa Mayor Mark Stapp stated that the city did not intend to discourage beekeeping and acknowledged the importance of supporting pollinator communities. The city attorney’s office agreed to amend the zoning code to allow student beekeeping, with a full council vote expected next year. The proposed ordinance may limit the number of hives and require them to be placed a certain distance from property lines to minimize neighbor impact.
Nicholas and his family are relieved that their bees are safe for now, and they look forward to a resolution that supports young beekeepers. As Nicholas put it, the experience taught him just how much he cares for his bees and the importance of civic engagement.
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