Regular 4.a.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 02/27/2017
- TITLE
- First Reading of Animal Control Ordinance Allowing/Regulating Hobbyist Beekeeping
- PRESENTED BY:
- Rich St. John
- Department:
- Police
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The Animal Control Board conducted several meetings to review the existing City Code prohibiting beekeeping within City limits. The Board was unanimous in the decision to recommend to the Mayor and City Council to allow hobbyist beekeeping. Staff discussed the topic with the City Council at its January 17, 2017 work session. Council directed staff to produce an ordinance amending the City Code and schedule it for public hearing and first reading. The proposed code changes will allow hobbyist beekeeping in the City, subject to permits issued by the City. The proposed ordinance includes changes that were recommended by the Council.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
The City Council may
- Approve the proposed ordinance allowing hobbyist beekeeping within the City, or;
- Disapprove the proposed ordinance. Disapproving it would bring no change to the existing ordinance, which prohibits hobbyist beekeeping.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is a small financial impact to the General Fund with a recommended $10 permit fee. Enforcement costs should be negligible.
RECOMMENDATION
The Animal Control Board and City staff recommend that the City Council conduce a public hearing and approve the ordinance on first reading that allows hobbyist beekeeping within the City.