Adopt Resolution #21-062 Approving a Beekeeping License on a Residential Property at 7191 160th Ln NW (Project No. 21-108); Case of Angelique Quinn Strobl

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 an 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 Angelique Quinn Strobl (the "Applicant"), who desires to maintain up two (2) honeybee hives on the property located at 7191 160th Ln NW (the "Subject Property"). The Applicant owns and resides 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 to two (2) honeybee hives on the Subject Property. The Subject Property is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing).  The Subject Property is approximately 3.98 acres in size. All surrounding properties are also zoned Rural Developing and are of similar size.

Per the Applicant's Site Plan, the beehives would be located in the side yard, situated adjacent to the side of the home.  The beehives would be at least one-hundred and fifty (150) feet from either side property line, more than three hundred (300) feet from either adjacent home, and would be located outside of any drainage and utility easements on the Subject Property. The proposed location(s), number of hives, and size/volume of hives all comply with City Code Section 10-1 (f) (Beekeeping). As of the writing of this case, Staff has not received any correspondence regarding the notice of public comment period. 

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #21-062approving a Beekeeping License for the Subject Property. The request appears to comply with all standards outlined in City Code Section 10-1(f). Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not adopt Resolution #21-062. 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 #21-062 granting a Beekeeping License to Angelique Quinn Strobl on the Subject Property.

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-062 granting a Beekeeping License to Angelique Quinn Strobl on the Subject Property.