Farmington council adopts ordinance to allow backyard beekeeping with permit, setbacks and annual fees

The Farmington City Council on Aug. 18 passed Ordinance 2025-006 to allow and regulate backyard beekeeping in the city for properties smaller than 2.5 acres, creating an administrative permit, setback rules and annual renewal requirements. Acting Mayor Bernanke presided over the vote, which passed 4-0.

City staff said the ordinance was drafted after the Planning Commission reviewed ordinances from nearby cities and a model from the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association. Jared, a staff member, told the council the permit will be administrative, valid for one year and require a $100 initial fee and a $40 annual renewal fee. Applicants must provide a site plan and proof of beekeeper education or three or more years of experience.

The ordinance sets limits on the number of colonies by lot size: lots under 0.5 acre may keep up to two colonies; lots from 0.5 to 2.5 acres may keep up to four. Hives must be placed in rear yards and meet a 20-foot setback from lot lines and 30 feet from adjacent decks, patios, swimming pools or other outdoor living spaces. A reduced five-foot setback applies where an adjacent property is a stormwater pond or wetland with no residences. A flyway barrier is required where hives sit within 25 feet of a lot line or 35 feet of outdoor living areas; the barrier must direct bees upward and away from neighboring properties.

Inspections will be required at permit issuance and at renewal; permits can be terminated for ordinance violations, failure to allow inspection, transfer of property ownership, a lapse in renewal or when a hive is deemed a public nuisance. If a terminated permit is not complied with, the city may abate the hive as a nuisance after notifying the owner; removal is required within five days unless alternative timing is approved by the planning department.

Jared said the Planning Commission held a public hearing Aug. 12, received no public comments and recommended approval 5-0. Council members who spoke in favor described the ordinance as the result of a careful process and a response to resident interest in home food production. Council member Steve said he appreciated the resident-driven request and staff’s comparative research. Council member Jake also expressed support.

Council members asked about trails, wetlands and allergy-related nuisance claims. Jared said walking trails are not explicitly referenced in the reduction-to-five-feet provision but staff would note trails when reviewing an application; he said city property encroachments would be treated through the city’s encroachment process. Jared also said the city would consult the city attorney to validate any claim that a hive constituted a public nuisance, citing Lakeville’s 2017 experience where the city concluded naturally occurring bees made direct causation difficult to prove.

The ordinance was adopted on a motion by Nick, seconded by Jake; the roll call recorded Council member Wilson, Council member Lean, Council member Cortis and Acting Mayor Bernanke voting yes.

The new rules take effect upon publication; permit applications and further implementation details will be administered by the planning department.