Adopt Resolution #20-019 Approving a Beekeeping License for the Property Located at 7520 149th Ave NW (Project No. 20-100); Case of Noah and Kimberly Barka

Honeybee populations are declining due, in part, to the growing use of certain herbicides and alterations to native landscapes (along with colony collapse disorder). The continued decline of honeybee populations is concerning and could have a devastating effect on food supply. In response to this phenomena, interest in hobby beekeeping has grown over the last several years. The City recognized this issue several years back and amended City Code to outline standards related to beekeeping, including the need for a Beekeeping License. The Beekeeping License provides the City an opportunity to notify nearby residents of a request and affords those property owners an opportunity to provide comment on these requests.

Ramsey City Code Section 10-1(f) (Beekeeping) states the following: the number of hives is limited to no more than six (6); no hive shall be in excess of twenty (20) cubic feet; hives shall not be within three (3) feet of any property boundary nor within any drainage and utility easement; and hives shall have a constant supply of water. Maintaining bees on a property requires a Beekeeping License reviewed and approved by City Council. The City has received an application for a Beekeeping License from Noah and Kimberly Barka (the "Applicant"), who desire to maintain up to six (6) honeybee hive on the property located at 7520 149th Ave NW (the "Subject Property"). The Applicant own and reside at the Subject Property.

Staff attempted to send a notice public comment period via Standard US Mail to property owners, as noted in the Anoka County Property Records, within 350 feet of the Subject Property.

The Applicant desires to maintain up to six (6) honeybee hives on the Subject Property. The Subject Property is zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD), but the underlying zoning standards would be R-1 Residential (Rural Developing).  The Subject Property is approximately 2.35 acres in size. The surrounding properties to the east and west are also zoned PUD and are of similar size; the properties to the north are zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and are just under one (1) acre in size; the property to the south is zoned R-2 Residential (Medium Density) and is approximately twelve (12) acres in size (this parcel is currently vacant but there is a Land Use Application in for a proposed development).

Per the Applicant's Site Plan, the beehives would be located in the rear yard, situated adjacent to an existing detached accessory building.  The beehives would be at least fifty (50) feet from either side property line, more than 100 feet from either adjacent home, and would be located outside of any drainage and utility easements on the Subject Property. The Applicant has stated that there would be a modification to the existing in-ground irrigation system that would provide a constant source of water for the bees.  There is also a large wetland on a portion of the Subject Property (and other adjacent parcels) that could be a natural source of water as well.  The proposed location(s), number of hives, and size/volume of hives all comply with City Code Section 10-1 (f) (Beekeeping).

The Applicant, a licensed veterinarian, has recently completed two courses regarding beekeeping, including the USDA-APHIS National Veterinary accreditation program training "The Role of Veterinarians in Honey Bee Health" and the University of Minnesota course "Beekeeping in Northern Climates-Year 1", which covers hive and colony management techniques. The Applicant included the obtained certificate with her application for the Beekeeping License (attached).

As of the writing of this case, Staff has received one phone call from a resident that received the notice of public comment period.  This individual had expressed some concern and asked various questions, but did not provide any official objection to the request. 

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #20-019 approving a Beekeeping License for the Subject Property. The request appears to comply with all standards outlined in City Code Section 10-1(f) and the Applicant has completed multiple courses related to honey bees and beekeeping, demonstrating a commitment to understand the intricacies of this hobby.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not adopt Resolution #20-019. The request complies with all standards outlined in Ramsey City Code Section 10-1(f).  As of the writing of this case, there have been no official objections to the Beekeeping License request from surrounding property owners.  Thus, Staff does not support this option.

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution #20-019 granting a Beekeeping License to Noah and Kimberly Barka on the Subject Property.

Motion to adopt Resolution #20-019 granting a Beekeeping License to Noah and Kimberly Barka on the Subject Property.