7.4. SR 05-21-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EGty1� ,.,�� Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 7.4 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearin Ma 21, 2018 Zack Carlton,Planning Manager Item Description Reviewed by Ordinance Amendment: Beekeeping Chris Leeseber , Senior Planner Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Adopt,by motion, an ordinance amendment adding regulations specific to the keeping of honey bees. Background/Discussion Case No. OA 18-04 Each year staff receives numerous calls regarding to the keeping on honey bees. Unfortunately the current ordinance is vague regarding bees and they are lumped into the agricultural animal category at 1 animal unit per acre which permits approximately 4 million bees per acre of fenced pasture land. The current ordinance also does not provide guidance for locating hives or safety regulations intended to protect residents. In preparing the proposed ordinance, staff reviewed honey bee regulations of a number of other Minnesota cities and attended the University of Minnesota's Beekeeping in Northern Climates Year 1' class. Planning Commission Staff reviewed the draft ordinance with the Planning Commission during a work session and two public hearings. The Commission requested some changes related to lot size and permitting during the first public hearing. Staff made all requested changes and the Commission unanimously recommended approval during the public hearing on April 24, 2018. Residents spoke during both public hearings. They provided commented on specific regulations and were in support of the ordinance amendment. Financial Impact None Attachments ■ Planning Commission Packet dated April 24, 2018 ■ Ordinance Amendment The Elk River Vision A PehoMing community 2a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAWRE1