The intent of this section is to regulate beekeeping for personal and education use only. Bees, honey, beeswax, and related items production for sales is prohibited.
(A) Permitted districts.
(1) Personal beekeeping as an accessory use is permitted in all Agricultural and Single- Family Residential zoning districts (RA, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4). Personal beekeeping is prohibited in all other zoning districts.
(2) Beekeeping for education or research purposes by an institution such as college, school, place of worship, or agricultural extension office is allowed in all other districts, subject to the requirements of this section.
(B) General requirements.
(1) The number of colonies is limited to the following:
(a) One colony for a lot of up to 4,100 square feet in size;
(b) Two colonies for a lot from 4,100 to 8,000 square feet in size; and
(c) Six colonies for a lot that is 8,000 square feet or greater in size.
(2) No bee colony shall be kept in a hive that exceeds ten cubic feet.
(3) Bee hives may be located on the ground or on the roof of any building with a permanent foundation.
(4) Hives on the ground may not be located in a front yard.
(5) Hives must be set back a minimum of 20 feet from any property line. In the event any adjacent property is zoned for business or industrial use, then the hives must be set back a minimum of 40 feet from any property line.
(6) If the opening of any hive located on the ground opens directly onto any activity area (such as a walkway, patio, swimming pool, play area, etc.) then a flyway barrier must be maintained to the following standards:
(a) Be a minimum of six feet in height; and
(b) Consisting of a solid wall, fencing material, or dense vegetation (or in combination) running parallel to the property line and extending at least five feet beyond the hive in each direction so that all bees are forced to fly at an elevation of at least six feet above the ground.
(7) Colonies shall be maintained in movable-frames with adequate space and management techniques to prevent overcrowding and swarming.
(8) Any colony exhibiting aggressive behavior must be immediately re-queened. Aggressive behavior is any instance in which usual aggressive characteristics such as stinging or attacking without provocation occurs.
(9) Every beekeeper shall maintain the following on the same property a colony is located:
(a) An adequate supply of fresh water located near to each hive; and
(b) Annual and/or perennial plantings that offer a diversity of natural pollen and forage.
(C) Registrations and training.
(1) Beekeepers are required to register their colonies with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology prior to April 1 of each year.
(2) The beekeeper(s) shall have successfully completed the Indiana bee school hosted by Beekeepers of Indiana and/or Bedford Beekeepers.
('67 Code, § 90.10) (Ord. 3-1957, passed 5-7-57; Am. Ord. 8-2019, passed 7-9-19) Penalty, see § 91.99