The City Planning Commission on Aug. 12 recommended that the City Council adopt Ordinance 2025-006 to allow regulated beekeeping on residential lots smaller than 2.5 acres.

The ordinance, presented by planning staff member Jared, would create an administrative permit for beekeeping valid for one year, require proof of basic beekeeping training or three years’ experience, set fees and establish setbacks, barriers and inspection requirements. “Staff is pleased to present ordinance 2025-006, an ordinance related to beekeeping,” Jared said during the public hearing.

Commissioners emphasized that the measure is intended to regulate activity already occurring in the city, not to immediately expand it. “There’s been a lot of work. We’ve had a lot of conversation around it,” Commissioner Berg said. “I think we’ve all landed in a good spot.” The commission voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance to council.

Key provisions in the draft ordinance described to the commission include: an initial permit fee of $100 and a renewal fee of $40; permit renewal every 12 months; required notification to adjacent property owners when a permit is approved; submission of a site plan showing hive locations and screening; proof of completion of a basic beekeeping course or three years of beekeeping experience; and requirements that colonies be continuously managed to prevent swarming.

Setbacks and barrier requirements in the draft are: hives located only in rear yards; a 20-foot setback from lot lines and 30 feet from adjacent decks, patios, swimming pools or other outdoor living space (a reduced 5-foot setback applies where the adjacent area is a stormwater pond or well); and a required flyway barrier when hives are kept within 25 feet of a lot line or 35 feet of an adjacent outdoor living space. The ordinance would require inspections at permit issuance and at renewal, and it authorizes permit termination for violations, failure to renew, transfer of property ownership or if a hive is deemed a public nuisance. Hives not removed after termination may be abated; removal is required within five days of notice unless the planning department approves an alternative timeframe.

Commissioners and staff noted process points: this commission’s vote is a recommendation, and the ordinance will be considered by City Council next Monday. The public hearing produced no public comments. Commissioners who spoke thanked staff and a local resident who assisted with drafting and outreach.

Action taken: the commission moved and seconded a motion to forward a favorable recommendation on Ordinance 2025-006 to council; the roll call recorded affirmative votes from the commissioners present (listed below). The recommendation does not itself change the code; final adoption requires Council action.