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Planning commission endorses public hearing on draft beekeeping ordinance with education, setbacks and removal rules
Summary
Staff presented a revised draft beekeeping ordinance allowing honey bees on residential lots under 2.5 acres subject to an administrative permit, education or experience requirements, setbacks and flyaway barriers; the commission supported scheduling a public hearing.
Farmington City staff presented a revised draft beekeeping ordinance on June 10 and the Planning Commission indicated support for scheduling a public hearing to consider the ordinance.
The draft would allow honey bees on residential lots smaller than 2.5 acres subject to an administrative permit, education or experience standards, location and setback rules, inspection and renewal requirements, and permit-termination procedures.
Jared, a planning staff member, summarized the changes after prior commission feedback. Key provisions in the current draft include a requirement for an administrative permit approved by staff, proof of completion of a basic beekeeping course or evidence of three or more years of beekeeping experience, and a one-year permit term with annual renewal. Hives are limited to rear yards with a 20-foot setback from lot lines and 30-foot setback from adjacent decks, patios, pools or outdoor living spaces. The ordinance allows an exemption to reduce the lot-line setback to 5 feet for hives adjacent to open space or stormwater ponds that separate the hive from neighboring residential lots.
The draft requires a flyway barrier when hives are within 25 feet of a lot line or 35 feet of adjacent outdoor living space; staff revised the language to permit the barrier to surround three sides of the hive as an alternative to a 10-foot-long parallel barrier in both directions. Inspections are required upon permit issuance and at renewal. The ordinance includes a five-day removal window for terminated permits but allows the planning department to approve an alternative timeframe where warranted.
“If we do have to end up getting to a state where we need to terminate somebody's permit, and there might be a, you know, hazardous situation or a nuisance being caused, we want the hive removed as soon as possible,” Jared said when explaining the retention of the five-day removal standard while allowing exceptions in some circumstances.
Commissioners who spoke said they supported the draft and the proposed public hearing. Commissioner Andy asked for the permit duration and staff confirmed permits would be valid for one year and require renewal. Commissioner Mitch praised the revisions and joked about asking for a honey tasting, while another commissioner noted that the language on removal timeframes should remain clear for enforceability.
The commission recommended scheduling a public hearing so City Council can consider the ordinance after public input and any further refinements. There was no final ordinance adoption at the meeting; the draft will proceed to a public hearing if scheduled.
