(A) The keeping of bees shall be restricted to premises that are zoned as one-family detached dwellings (single family residences) as defined by Chapter 155 of the City Code or used as one-family dwellings.
(B) Apiaries shall be located only in a rear or side yard.
(C) The minimum setback for placement of apiaries shall be ten feet from the property lines of the premises.
(D) Apiaries may consist of not more than five hives on a premises consisting of no more than six boxes per hive.
(E) All bee colonies must be kept in inspectable type hives with removable combs, which must be kept in sound and usable condition.
(F) Fencing of flyways. In each instance in which any colony is situated within 25 feet of a public or private property line of the tract upon which the apiary is situated, as measured from the nearest point on the hive to the property line, the beekeeper shall establish and maintain a flyway barrier at least six feet in height consisting of fencing in compliance with Chapter 158 of the City Code, dense vegetation or combination thereof that is parallel to the property line and extending ten feet beyond the colony in each direction so that all honey bees are forced to fly at an elevation of at least six feet above ground level over the property lines in the vicinity of the apiary.
(G) Each beekeeper shall ensure that a convenient source of water within ten feet of the apiary is available at all times to the bees so that the bees will not congregate at swimming pools, bibcocks, pet water bowls, birdbaths or other water sources where they may cause human, bird, or domestic pet contact. The water shall be maintained so as not to become stagnant.
(H) Adequate techniques in handling bees and adequate space in the hive shall be maintained to prevent unprovoked stinging.
(I) Queens. In any instance in which a colony exhibits unusually aggressive characteristics by stinging or attempting to sting without due provocation, or exhibits an unusual disposition towards swarming, it shall be the duty of the beekeeper to re-queen the colony. Queens shall be selected from stock bred for gentleness and non-swarming characteristics.
(J) Each beekeeper shall ensure that no bee comb or other materials that might encourage robbing are left upon the grounds of the apiary site. Upon their removal from the hive, all such materials shall promptly be disposed of in a sealed container or placed within a building or other bee-proof enclosure.
(Ord. 4013, passed 7-27-20)