Adopt Resolution #17-03-063 Approving a Beekeeping License for the Property Located at 17201 St. Francis Blvd NW; Case of Tim & Corrin O'Shaugnessy

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 could have a devastating effect on our food supply. In response to this phenomena, interest in hobby beekeeping has grown over the last several years. The City has recognized this issue and has proactively 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 Tim and Corrin O'Shaugnessy (the "Applicants"), who desire to maintain two (2) honeybee hives on their property located at 17201 St. Francis Blvd NW (the "Subject Property").

A notice of public comment period was mailed to property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property.

The Applicants desire to maintain two (2) honeybee hives on the Subject Property.  The Subject Property is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and is just over 19 acres in size.  The Applicants also own the adjacent outlot to the east, which is just under 15 acres in size.  The surrounding parcels to the north, south and east are also zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and the parcels to west, across Trunk Highway 47, are zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD), but the underlying zoning would be R-1 Residential (Rural Developing).  Surrounding properties range in size from approximately 1.25 acres (neighborhood to the south), about 38 acres (one of the abutting parcels to the north).

There is a 150 foot wide easement along the southern boundary of the Subject Property for an overhead transmission line.  The hives shall not be located within this easement area without written consent from the easement holder (Site Plan will need to be revised slightly without this written consent).  Both hives would be at least 100 feet from any property boundary.  Per the Applicant's narrative (attached), the hives will comply all standards outlined in City Code Section 10-1(f) (Beekeeping).

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #17-03-063 approving a Beekeeping License for the Subject Property. The request appears to comply with all standards outlined in City Code Section 10-1(f). Additionally, as of March 20, 2017 (the writing of this report), there have been no objections raised regarding this request. Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not adopt Resolution #17-03-063. The request complies with all standards outlined in Ramsey City Code Section 10-1(f) and therefore, Staff does not support this option. 
 

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

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #17-03-063 approving a Beekeeping License for Tim and Corrin O'Shaughnessy on the property generally known as 17201 St. Francis Blvd NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #17-03-063 approving a Beekeeping License for Tim and Corrin O'Shaughnessy on the property generally know as 17201 St. Francis Blvd NW.