Chapter 7.09
BEEKEEPING
Sections:
7.09.020 Location – Requirements.
7.09.040 Requirements generally.
7.09.010 Beehive defined.
“Beehive” means a structure designed to contain one colony of honey bees (apis mellifera). (Ord. 1423 § 3, 1983).
7.09.020 Location – Requirements.
It is unlawful for any person to operate or maintain an apiary or to keep bees within a distance of 100 feet from the nearest portion of any residence, dwelling, hotel, apartment house or roominghouse now existing or hereafter constructed or owned by any other persons within the city; and the operation and maintenance of any apiary or keeping of bees as aforesaid is declared to be a public nuisance; provided, that this chapter shall not apply in areas in which abattoirs or stockyards are permitted by appropriate ordinance. (Ord. 1423 § 1, 1983).
7.09.030 Location – Consent.
Excepting where surrounding owners within 100 feet consent, this chapter is not intended to prohibit the operation and maintenance of an apiary or the keeping of bees as aforesaid where and so long as the consent in writing to the operation and maintenance of the keeping thereof by the owners of all the residences, dwellings, hotels, apartment houses or roominghouses owned by others within 100 feet from the nearest portion of such apiary or hive or hives where such bees are kept is obtained by the person desiring to operate or maintain such apiary or keep such bees, and files with the city clerk. In the case of the operation and maintenance of an apiary or keeping of bees at the time of the passage of this chapter, such consent shall be filed within 30 days. (Ord. 1423 § 2, 1983).
7.09.040 Requirements generally.
Beekeeping, where permitted, is subject to the following requirements:
A. No more than four hives per an 8,400 square foot lot shall be allowed within the city limits, providing that a beekeeper who picks up a swarm of bees may hold them for a period of no more than two weeks, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.
B. Colonies shall be maintained in small movable frame hives.
C. Hives shall not be located within 25 feet of any property line, except under the following conditions:
1. When situated eight feet or more above adjacent ground level; or
2. When there is a solid fence at least six feet high separating the hive from the property line, extending at least 20 feet from the hive along the property line in both directions.
D. Bees living in trees, buildings or any other space except in movable frame hives, abandoned colonies, or diseased bees shall constitute a public nuisance and shall be abated. (Ord. 1423 § 4, 1983).