Commission agrees to research allowing beekeeping in single-family zones

The Cottage Grove Planning Commission directed staff to research a potential zoning amendment to allow beekeeping in single-family residential districts after hearing from a resident who keeps bees and from neighbors.

Planning staff said beekeeping is already allowed in the village’s rural holding district but not in single-family residential zones. Aaron, a planning staff member, explained the issue began with a complaint about a neighbor’s beehives; the homeowner who asked the commission to revisit the rule identified herself as Renee Gaudreau and submitted a letter asking the village to permit hives on single-family lots.

“Another clarification that I was looking for was that there was a proclamation for No Mow May in which we support pollinators, but yet we can't have them,” Gaudreau said during the public discussion.

Commissioners voiced support for staff review; one commissioner noted the village is near habitat for the rusty-patched bumblebee and said pollinator-friendly policies could be positive. Staff cautioned that, under the current ordinance structure, uses not listed are prohibited, so a textual change would be required to allow beekeeping in single-family districts.

The commission asked staff to research how other communities regulate backyard beekeeping — a member noted the City of Madison allows up to six hives with a $10 permit — and to return with a recommendation in time for the commission’s February meeting so residents and staff can act before spring when hives become active.

Ending: Staff will return next month with findings about ordinances in peer communities and with draft language or options for the commission to consider; no ordinance change was adopted at this meeting.