(a) The keeping or harboring of bees, including but not limited to honey bees and bumble bees, shall be limited to a maximum of two hives on a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet, and no more than four hives on a one-half acre lot, in a residential zone only. For purposes of this division only, "lot size" shall include sidewalk areas, tree lawns or any other areas behind the street curb-line within the public right-of-way which fronts upon the property which shall harbor the bees.
(b) A beehive must be kept a minimum of ten feet from property lines, and the bees' flight pattern must be directed away from a neighbor's entrances and lines of traffic.
(c) A water source must be provided on the premises, placed a minimum of ten feet from the property line.
(d) Neglected bees, as determined by the County Inspector, are prohibited.
(e) The failure to remove, or authorize the removal of, any natural or man-made hive or nest, or other living quarters for bees, (including but not limited to honey bees and bumble bees), wasps, yellow jackets and hornets, within three days after notice is served by the Director of Public Safety, the Director’s designee, or an Animal Control Officer upon the owner/guardian and/or occupant, shall be prima facie evidence that bees (including but not limited to honey bees and bumble bees), wasps, yellow jackets and hornets, are being kept or harbored on the premises by such owner/guardian and/or occupant.
(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and shall be subject to the penalty provided in Section 698.02. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
(Ord. 2019-3. Passed 2-11-19; Ord. 2024-19. Passed 4-8-24.)