PUBLIC HEARING: Resolutions #14-03-042 & #14-03-043: Consider Request for a Conditional Use Permit for Beekeeping on the Property Located at 16101 Turnberry Turn NW; Case of Beth Edwards

City Code Section 10-1 (Keeping of Certain Animals, Livestock, and Poultry) identifies beekeeping on parcels with an existing use as a conditional use.  On February 10, 2014, the City received an application for a Conditional Use Permit from Beth Edwards to maintain up to two (2) honeybee colonies on the property located at 16101 Turnberry Turn NW (the "Subject Property").

Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property of the Public Hearing. A Public Notice was also advertised in the City's official newspaper, the Anoka Union.

The Applicant is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to maintain up to two (2) honeybee colonies on the Subject Property.  Initially, there would be one (1) honeybee colony; however, should this colony successfully overwinter, the Applicant would split it into two separate honeybee colonies in 2015. 

The Subject Property is approximately 1.5 acres in size and is zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development).  It is surrounded by similar sized residential parcels and the Subject Property also backs up to the Links at Northfork Golf Course.  Both of the adjacent residential property owners have submitted written comments (attached) supporting the request.

The Applicant is participating the University of Minnesota Bee Squad program called Hive to Bottle, which is operated by the University of Minnesota's Bee Lab.  A Bee Squad Beekeeper will assist with managing the honeybee colony throughout the first year.  This includes an inspection of the colony every seven (7) to fourteen (14) days from May through October and then periodically throughout the winter months as deemed necessary. The honeybee colony will be managed to prevent swarming and to promote honeybee health by removing unused comb and following acceptable practices to prevent 'robbing'.  If present, surplus honey will be harvested throughout the summer and fall months. 

The honeybees will be housed in removable frame equipment that has an approximate volume of eight cubic feet (17" x 22" x 36").  The hive(s) will be located in the rear of the Subject Property and would be about seventy (70) feet from the nearest property line.  This not only provides plenty of separation from any adjacent, inhabited structures but also keeps the hives out of a drainage and utility easement in the rear portion of the Subject Property.

Alternatives/Options

Option #1: Recommend that the City Council Approve the Request for a Conditional Use Permit for Beekeeping.  Honeybee populations are declining across the country, which could have serious impacts on food prices.  Promoting healthy honeybee populations is critical for the production of numerous fruits, vegetables, nuts and flowers.  The Applicant is working with the University of Minnesota's Bee Squad to ensure proper management of the honeybee colony and has support from both of her immediate neighbors.  The request appears to satisfy all conditions outlined in City Code and thus, Staff supports this option.

Option #2: Recommend that the City Council Deny the Request for a Conditional Use Permit for Beekeeping.  The Subject Property is roughly 1.5 acres in size, is surrounded by similarly sized properties, and backs up to a golf course (more open space).  The draft Conditional Use Permit, as well as City Code, have standards that would require certain actions should the colony exhibit atypical aggressive behavior.  Additionally, the Applicant is working with the Bee Squad program, which enlists well trained individuals to assist with beekeeping activities.  Additionally, the nearest two residential properties both support the request and thus, Staff would not recommend this option.

All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.

Staff recommends approving the request for a Conditional Use Permit for beekeeping.

Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution #14-03-042 adopting Findings of Fact #0923 related to a request for a Conditional Use Permit for beekeeping;

-and-

Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution #14-03-043 approving a Conditional Use Permit for beekeeping at 16101 Turnberry Turn NW.