(1)

Construction and maintenance of beehives for the purpose of keeping honeybees is allowed as an accessory use, subject to the regulations set forth in this article, on any property:

(a)

Occupied by a single-family detached dwelling; or

(b)

Determined to have a nonconforming agricultural use.

(2)

Density requirements for keeping beehives.

(a)

The following limits on the number of beehives permitted on a property shall apply:

(b)

For the purposes of subsection (a), the persons keeping honeybees may have two (2) additional beehives above the minimum allowed for not more than sixty (60) consecutive days for the purpose of queen mating and swarm control.

(3)

Requirements for the location and maintenance of beehives.

(a)

Beehives shall be no closer than ten (10) feet from property lines, unless the property is determined to be a nonconforming agricultural use that does not contain a single-family detached dwelling, then thirty (30) feet from property lines.

(b)

Beehives and all related materials shall be located only in the rear yard, unless the property is determined to be a nonconforming agricultural use that does not contain a single-family detached dwelling, then any yard is allowed.

(c)

A flyway barrier shall be required when beehives are twenty-five (25) feet or closer to a property line. Required flyway barriers shall comply with the following:

1.

The flyway barrier shall be constructed of solid fencing or dense evergreen vegetation or a combination of the two.

2.

The flyway barrier shall be at least six (6) feet in height at time of installation, measured from grade and maintained during the life of the beehive.

3.

The flyway barrier shall be located no more than five (5) feet from the beehive, on the entrance side.

4.

The flyway barrier shall extend at least three (3) feet beyond either side of the beehive entrance.

(d)

A water source for the honeybees must be provided on the property, within twenty (20) feet of any beehive. A water source shall consist of an accessible and usable supply of water for the bees and maintained so as not to harbor mosquitoes. Examples may include bird baths, trickling fountains, hummingbird feeders, or gravity fed pet feeders.

(Ord. of 9-24-24(3)

(1)

Persons wishing to keep honeybees pursuant to this subsection must file an application with the department of community development, which application shall include:

(a)

Completed application form.

(b)

A site layout showing the location of the beehives, water source, flyway barrier (if required), and single-family detached dwelling (or other appropriate structures if the property is determined to be a nonconforming agricultural use) in proximity to the property lines. The sketch must show dimensions and setbacks.

(c)

Information or drawing(s) of flyway barrier (if required) and water source, including dimensions.

(d)

A twenty-five-dollar ($25.00) application fee.

(2)

Once the application has been approved by the department of community development a permit shall be issued and is valid for one (1) year.

(3)

Each existing permit shall be renewed annually by filing a renewal application with the department of community development along with the payment of a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) annual fee.

(Ord. of 9-24-24(3)