Bees shall be kept in such manner so as not to create a nuisance or threat to health or otherwise interfere with the enjoyment of the property of adjacent owners or residents. The following conditions shall exist as a precondition to issuance of a permit for beekeeping.
(A) No person shall establish or maintain any apiary or hive or box where bees are kept on any parcel where any public outdoor recreational area, school or daycare or public park lies within 100 feet of the exterior boundaries of the parcel. No person shall establish or maintain any hive of box where bees are kept on any parcel or lot in excess of one hive or box per 1,500 square feet.
(B) No hive or box where bees are kept shall be maintained within 50 feet of any dwelling or building, except that of the applicant. No hive or box where bees are kept shall be maintained within 25 feet of the lot line, sidewalk, alley or other public right-of-way unless there is present a barrier of sufficient height to deflect the flight of bees to a height not less than six feet at all exterior boundaries of the parcel on which bees are being maintained. No hive or box shall be maintained less than ten feet from the barrier.
(C) Including the permit holder’s own hives or boxes in which bees are kept, no more than four hives or boxes shall be within 100 feet of the exterior boundaries of the apiary within the parcel on which bees are kept; provided, however, that in the event the permit holder of any permit keeps bees on any parcel in excess of one acre in area, no more than four hives or boxes shall be maintained per one quarter acre, and in such cases all hives or boxes shall be situated at least 100 feet from the exterior boundaries of the parcel. A source of fresh water shall be maintained for bees at all times near the hives or boxes in which the bees are kept.
(D) Prior to the issuance of a hobby beekeeper permit, the applicant shall notify all residents and businesses within a 300 foot radius around the proposed apiary on which the bees are to be kept, that the applicant is applying for a hobby beekeeper permit and will provide contact information for themselves as the hobby beekeeper so questions and concerns can be addressed between the neighboring property owners and the beekeeper. There will be no hearing prior to issuance of the permit provided notification has been made either in person or by mail delivery to the residents or businesses within 300 feet.
(E) The forgoing conditions shall be continuously maintained by the holder of any permit issued pursuant to this section.
(Prior Code, § 90.072) (Ord. 14-07, passed 8-4-2014)