Committee rejects proposed beekeeping limit, asks staff for clearer draft

The Stevens Point Public Policy & General Government Committee voted on June 8 against an ordinance amendment to Section 14.14 that would have revised rules for chickens, ducks, rabbits and beekeeping, after members said the beekeeping language was unclear and potentially excessive.

Committee members debated whether the draft’s phrase allowing “4 hives, 20 cubic feet” meant 20 cubic feet per hive (80 cubic feet total) and whether that volume is appropriate for residential lots. Alder Lang said, “Are we talking 80 cubic feet?” and described how 80 cubic feet could be large for a backyard installation. A member with beekeeping experience said 80 cubic feet “seems to be a bit excessive” and recommended a lower total volume.

The city attorney suggested standardizing the draft’s numbering and formatting so sections can be referenced consistently. Director Kivola told the committee staff could review existing permits and return with a redlined version and additional context about current practice. Committee member Anne Guthrie said she could not support the change without staff providing justification or showing whether the current ordinance has caused problems.

After discussion, the recommendation to approve the amendment failed on a roll call vote: Moldenhauer, Lang, Donahue and Guthrie voted no; Keimer voted yes, producing a 4–1 defeat in committee. The chair said the amendment will still be brought forward to the full Common Council for consideration, and members requested staff provide clearer language and a redline showing proposed edits before that meeting.

The committee’s action was advisory to the council; members asked staff to clarify whether the proposed change would tighten or expand the existing rules and to include redlines in future materials so the committee can determine practical impacts on current permit holders.

The committee adjourned at 6:27 p.m.