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Resident tells council 20-hive apiary is creating a neighborhood nuisance; council to explore options
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Summary
Fielding resident Shari Gleeson told the council that a nearby property’s roughly 20 bee hives have swarmed neighbors and that the county UDAF issued a 15-day notice; council members discussed nuisance enforcement and potential ordinance updates for hive density in residential areas.
Shari Gleeson addressed the council during public comment to complain that a nearby property’s beekeeping operation — she estimated about 20 hives — has become a nuisance for neighbors.
"I've been stung in the face... the neighbors can't go out on the trampoline because they're being swarmed," Gleeson said, adding that the county UDAF had issued a 15-day notice to the beekeeper. She asked the council to consider reviewing zoning and local rules that govern how many hives are allowed in areas with many houses.
Council members responded that local nuisance ordinances are the primary tool for addressing situations where animals prevent property enjoyment, and noted that the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) enforces beekeeping regulations. One council member suggested the city could look at nuisance codes and, if needed, coordinate with the county if state enforcement is insufficient.
Council members emphasized that the city cannot enact retroactive ordinances to impose immediate penalties on past behavior; instead they recommended documenting current enforcement steps, following UDAF notices and considering whether a local rule or nuisance standard should be updated.
The council asked Gleeson to report back if the county enforcement does not resolve the issue so the city could explore further administrative or ordinance-based remedies.