HONEY TO BE HARVESTED—Bee boxes are located on a hillside above Spectrum Club in Thousand Oaks, just north of the 101 Freeway. When they first appeared, some Conejo Valley residents wondered what they were. JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers There’s buzz about a new development on a hill above city hall.

It seems more than a dozen bee boxes were placed about a month ago on privately owned property on a Thousand Oaks hillside that includes a protected ridgeline.

“The bee boxes aren’t within the protected ridgeline portion of the property,” said Mark Towne, deputy director of community development department.

The 15.7 acres of property are zoned rural exclusive, but beekeeping is only permitted in property zoned rural agriculture.

“An application wasn’t received for the bee boxes, and the city didn’t approve the use,” Towne said.

The area in question was cleared of brush within the last couple of years, he said.Towne said he’s looking into whether a permit was needed or issued for grading of the area.

At this time, since there’s been no formal complaint with the city about incorrect use of the property, the city is taking no action on changing the zoning for beekeeping or asking the owner to remove the bee boxes, Towne said.

When seen from a distance, the bee boxes blend together, appearing to be a large white structure that’s popped up on the hillside.

So far, there’s no indication on where to buy the honey.

—Nancy Needham