4.3 PCSR 04-24-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\OA\OA 18-04 Beekeeping\4-Planning Commission\OA 18-04 Beekeeping_PC 3- 27-18.docx The purpose of this regulation is to force the honey bees to go up and over the fence. Typically once above the fence, honey bees will not descend until it has reached its final destination. The fence will force the bees to start their trip above neighboring properties and residents.  Hives cannot be located in the front or side yard. Corner lots shall be considered to have two front yards. All hives must adhere to the below setbacks: Parcel Size Minimum Distance (feet) Front* Not Permitted Side 20 Rear 20 Public Right-of-Way or Trail Easements 30 Adjacent Dwelling Units 30 The purpose of hive location and setback regulations is to locate hives in an area that is typically less populated or has a reduced chance of interaction with neighboring residents. Based on the course staff attended at the University of Minnesota, neighboring properties will typically not notice hives if they are setback at least 10-15 feet from the property lines. The proposed regulation increases this setback for adjacent dwellings, right-of-ways and trail easements.  Each colony on the apiary site shall be provided with a convenient and adequate source of water which must be located within ten feet of each active colony on the applicant’s property. The purpose of providing an adequate source of water on the beekeepers property is to reduced chance of interaction with neighboring residents. Honey bees need water to live, if there is not an adequate source of water near the hive and on the beekeepers property, the honey bees will look for the next closes source (i.e., neighbor’s pool, fountain, bird baths, etc.).  All hives shall be enclosed with a latching fence. The purpose of enclosing a hive area is to reduce contact with people and animals. Honey bees will only sting an individual if it feels the hive is being threatened or it is about to be smashed. Providing a fence will prevent others who are not equipped to prepare the honey bees of their approach will reduce the number of potential interactions with others. Additionally, for those who are allergic to honey bees staff has proposed sending a public notice to all property owners within 350 feet of a property requesting a beekeeping permit. Residents will have 14 business days to provide written documentation from a doctor to the city identifying the honey bee allergy. This written documentation will be grounds for denial of the honey beekeeping permit. This is a common practice in other cities within Minnesota. However, other cities have only required notification to properties within 100-200 feet. Staff is recommending 350 as it is the same for all land use applications and will provide a greater buffer for those with allergy concerns. Swarms Swarms occur when a hive becomes over crowded or becomes inadequate. The queen bee will leave the hive, followed by its worker bees, in search of adequate housing. The queen bee and its workers will gather together to protect the queen, while a few bees go out and search for housing. These swarms are not dangerous but can seem alarming to those who are not equipped to relocate a swarm. The University of Minnesota Bee Lab identifies a number of sources that can relocate swarms if they occur. To reduce the potential of swarming staff proposes the following regulations:  Honey bee colonies shall be kept in hives with removable frames, which shall be kept in sound and useable condition.