Rush Valley panel approves conditional-use permit for David Anderson’s apiary

The Rush Valley Planning and Zoning Committee voted May 6 to approve a conditional-use permit allowing David Anderson to operate an apiary at 735 North Main Street.

David Anderson told the committee he is licensed by the state “to have up to 25” hives but currently keeps one. “I just threw a number. I don't know if I'll have that many,” he said. Staff and committee members discussed placement on the parcel, setback considerations and the town zoning table that lists beekeeping as a conditional use for lots of the applicant’s size.

Committee members referenced the town’s Chapter 11 zoning table and a recent state law limiting municipal restrictions on beekeeping. The chair noted that, under the state rule enacted a couple of years ago, towns cannot add restrictions beyond the state’s licensing scheme, so the committee focused on local siting and notification practices rather than additional limits. Staff described the state licensing process and said inspections are handled by the state on a spot basis and that state-level notification practices are used when spray events are planned near hives.

Carl Wall moved to approve the conditional-use permit; Kyle Russell seconded. The committee approved the permit by voice vote; there was no recorded opposition.

The committee returned the meeting to other agenda business after the approval.