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Rocky Mount staff propose city code changes to allow beekeeping beyond agricultural zones
Summary
City staff presented a proposed amendment to Rocky Mount’s city code to align local rules with state statute on keeping honeybees, add permitting and safety standards, and bring existing permitted hives into compliance; council will consider the ordinance at its September meeting.
City staff presented a draft amendment to the Rocky Mount city code on Aug. 25 that would expand where residents may keep honeybees and add permitting, inspection and safety requirements to align local rules with state law.
Assistant City Manager Joseph (staff presenter) told the council the city’s current ordinance restricts beekeeping to agricultural (A1) zoning parcels, while state statute allows beekeeping on many kinds of parcels. "The proposed amendment does align with best practices. We did consult with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture," Joseph said. He described permitting, siting and inspection requirements intended to promote public safety.
Why it matters: The change would legalize and regulate hives that some residents are already operating and standardize requirements across the city so local regulation conforms to state law.
City staff said the draft would permit rooftop and ground-level hives on a stable, secure foundation; would prohibit placement in front yards; would set minimum setbacks from property lines and adjacent residences; and would allow additional hives for larger lots (an extra hive per additional 5,000 square feet). The proposal also calls for a barrier to reduce drift from hive entrances, an on-site water source for bees, and an annual inspection by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture with results provided to the city’s animal services unit. If hives are not maintained safely, animal services would require the owner to remove them or remove them through city processes.
Several residents and council members commented during the discussion. A speaker who described attending a recent honeybee event praised the city for public education. Other commenters asked whether rooftop hives would be permitted; Joseph answered, “Yes. It would allow for keeping [hives] on a roof or at ground level.”
Next steps: Staff said the item will come back for formal action at the council’s next meeting in September if council is comfortable moving forward. No formal vote or ordinance adoption occurred at the Aug. 25 session.
Provenance: City manager introduction and Joseph’s presentation began the discussion of the proposed amendment; council questions and public comments appear later in the same segment. The draft ordinance is awaiting placement on a future council agenda for formal consideration.
