Adopt Resolution #17-04-086 Approving a Beekeeping License for the Property Located at 5805 148th Lane NW (Project #17-117); Case of Michael St. Clair and Sarah Mattison

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 Michael St. Clair and Sarah Mattison (the "Applicants"), who desire to maintain two (2) honeybee hives on their property located at 5805 148th Lane 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 (MUSA) and is approximately 2.65 acres in size. The Subject Property abuts Ramsey Elementary School to the north (approximately 53 acres in size) and is adjacent to other residential parcels in the R-1 Residential (MUSA) District to the east, west and south.  The neighboring residential properties range in size from just under one (1) acre to slightly over eleven (11) acres.  

Per the Applicants' Site Plan, the beehives would be approximately 100 feet from their northern boundary line and about 140 feet from their western property boundary.  The proposed location, number of hives, and size/volume of hives all comply with City Code Section 10-1 (f) (Beekeeping).  The Applicants have stated that if their initial endeavor is successful, that they may potentially increase the number of hives but would remain compliant with City Code standards.

The Applicants have recently completed a short course through the University of Minnesota's Department of Entomology in Beekeeping in Northern Climates, which demonstrates their commitment to hobby beekeeping.  They have contacted their immediate neighbors on all sides, including ISD #11, and have submitted signatures from each stating that they have no objections to the request for a Beekeeping License.

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #17-04-086 approving a Beekeeping License for the Subject Property. The request appears to comply with all standards outlined in City Code Section 10-1(f). The Applicants have provided supporting documentation including certifications of completion of a beekeeping course through the University of Minnesota.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not adopt Resolution #17-04-086. The request complies with all standards outlined in Ramsey City Code Section 10-1(f) and all of the immediate neighbors have signed a form stating they have no objections to the Beekeeping License request.  Thus, Staff does not support this option.
 

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

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #17-04-086 approving a Beekeeping License for Michael St. Clair and Sarah Mattison on the property generally known as 5805 148th Lane NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #17-04-086 approving a Beekeeping License for Michael St. Clair and Sarah Mattison on the property generally know as 5805 148th Lane NW.