Adopt Resolution #17-05-115 Approving a Beekeeping License for the Property Located at 6768 158th Lane NW (Project #17-122); Case of Lorraine Winsor

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 Lorraine Winsor (the "Applicant"), who desire to maintain one (1) honeybee hive on the property located at 6768 158th Lane NW (the "Subject Property").   The Applicant resides at the property along with the owner of the Subject Property, Bryan Eggers.

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

The Applicant desires to maintain one (1) honeybee hive on the Subject Property.  The Subject Property is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and is approximately 2.16 acres in size.  The surrounding properties are also zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and range in size from just under an acre to just over four (4) acres.  County Drainage Ditch 66 runs along the southern boundary of the Subject Property.

Per the Applicant's Site Plan, the beehive would be located near the edge of a wetland in the rear yard, behind a detached garage.  The beehive would be approximately ten (10) feet from the side property line of the Subject Property.  While within twenty-five (25) feet of a property boundary, the area is wooded and opens up into wetland beyond.  There is at least 250 feet to the nearest habitable structure.  The tree cover appears to provide a sufficient 'flyway' barrier as required in City Code.  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 this hobby becomes too daunting, that they will coordinate with the University of Minnesota's Bee Squad to have the hive removed from the Subject Property.

The Applicant has contacted a number of adjacent and nearby property owners about their desire to conduct hobby beekeeping on the Subject Property and have submitted signatures from them as to whether they are supportive of the request and whether they have anyone in the home that are allergic to bee stings.  In total, twenty-six (26) adjacent or nearby property owners signed a form approving the Applicant's request, including three (3) that indicated someone in their household was allergic to bee stings.

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #17-05-115 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 Applicant has provided supporting documentation indicating that adjacent and nearby property owners have no objections to the requested license. Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not adopt Resolution #17-05-115. 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 #17-05-115 approving a Beekeeping License for Lorraine Winsor on the property generally known as 6768 158th Lane NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #17-05-115 approving a Beekeeping License for Lorraine Winsor on the property generally know as 6768 158th Lane NW.