Chapter 2 · Animal Control and Regulation

Article 5. Beekeeping

Sections 2-501 to 2-508 · 8 sections

2-501 Legislative findings.

The governing body finds that there is a need to regulate and set minimum standards for the keeping of bees within the corporate limits of the city to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the city.

(Ord. 945)

2-502 Keeping of bees.

It shall be unlawful for any person to place, establish, or maintain any hive, stand, box, or apiary or keep any bees in or upon any premises within the city unless the bees are kept in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 945)

2-503 Keeping of a hive, stand, box, or apiary.

No hive, stand, or apiary shall be placed or kept:

(a)Closer than 25 feet to the property line of adjoining residential property if a house or other building used for residential purposes is located on such property;

(b)Closer than 75 feet to any house or other building used for residential purposes other than the residence of the keeper of such bees without first obtaining written permission of such land, which permission may be revoked at any time;

(c)Closer than 100 feet to the exterior line of the traveled portion of a public street;

(d)Upon land not owned or possessed by the keeper of such bees without first obtaining written permission to do so from the owner or person lawfully in possession of such land, which permission may be revoked at any time.

(Ord. 945)

2-504 Multiple number of beehives.

No more than three beehives shall be placed or kept in a location which is between 75 feet and 600 feet from a house or other building used for residential purposes other than the residence of the keeper of such bees.

(Ord. 945)

2-505 Subsequent development of adjacent properties.

Provided that should adjacent property be later developed, or residential structures located closer than the distances herein prescribed, the keeper shall move such hives, stands, boxes, or apiaries to comply with these regulations.

(Ord. 945)

2-506 Owner’s hives on other properties.

Every person owning a hive, stand, box, or apiary located on premises other than where he or she resides shall identify such hive, stand, box or apiary by a sign or other prominent marking stating in letters at least one inch high on a contrasting background the name, address, and phone number of the owner of such equipment.

(Ord. 945)

2-507 Exemptions.

Nothing in these regulations shall be deemed or construed to prohibit the keeping of bees within a school or university building for the purpose of study or observation, or within a physician’s office or laboratory for the purpose of medical research, treatment, or other scientific purposes.

(Ord. 945)

2-508 Violations and penalty.

The violation of any provision of section 2-603:607 is a public offense and any person convicted thereof shall be punished as provided in the Uniform Public Offense Code as an unclassified misdemeanor and prosecuted through the municipal court. Each day that any violation of these sections shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.

(Ord. 945)