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Plan Commission backs amended beekeeping rules: simple annual attestation and neighbor notification
Summary
The commission voted to amend village zoning to allow beekeeping under new procedural steps: a simple registration/attestation form, notification of adjacent neighbors (annual), and staff guidance rather than a conditional‑use process; staff will draft the ordinance language and an attestation form.
The Cottage Grove Plan Commission voted to send amended beekeeping rules to the Village Board that would allow beekeeping with a light‑touch registration/attestation process and a neighbor notification step rather than a full conditional‑use permit.
Staff explained the village board had asked for a practical way to ensure neighbors are informed when a landowner keeps bees. Planning staff recommended a simple registration form that lists the ordinance rules and requires the beekeeper to attest they notified adjacent neighbors rather than a more burdensome conditional‑use permit or annual fee. The commission discussed practical mechanics—how often to notify neighbors, whether to require signatures, and whether to delay enforcement for currently active hives—and generally favored a simple annual attestation and a form template to post or file with the village.
Commissioner Alex moved the motion to amend the zoning ordinance "relating to the beekeeping, with the staff recommendations and the notes from the discussion today, requiring the, notifications to the neighbors." Commissioner Don seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.
Key points adopted or directed for drafting: require beekeepers to submit an annual attestation (staff suggested a form outlining best practices and the village’s beekeeping rules); notify adjacent neighbors (commission favored notifying directly adjacent properties rather than a 400‑foot radius); provide a simple template on the village website; and phase implementation so currently active hives are not forcibly moved during the active season. Staff noted that if beekeeping later proves problematic the village could revisit regulation type (ordinance vs. license) and enforcement mechanics.
The commission did not adopt a specific fee or certification process at this meeting; the changes will be returned to the Village Board for final adoption.
