Adopt Resolution #17-12-309 Approving a Beekeeping License for the Property Located at 16137 Dysprosium St NW (Project No. 17-154); Case of Kathleen Rosenow

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 Kathleen Rosenow (the "Applicant"), who desire to maintain up to six (6) honeybee hive on the property located at 16137 Dysprosium St NW (the "Subject Property"). The Applicant and her husband, Charles Rosenow, both own and reside at the Subject Property.

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

The Applicant desires to maintain up to six (6) honeybee hives on the Subject Property. The Subject Property is zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and is approximately 2.32acres in size. The surrounding properties are also zoned R-1 Residential (Rural Developing) and are of similar sizes.  The Boy Scout Camp, which is about 160 acres in size and is zoned Public/Quasi-Public, is just south of the Subject Property. The Subject Property abuts the Rum River and also has County Drainage Ditch 66 traversing a portion of the Subject Property.

Per the Applicant's Site Plan, the beehives would be located in the rear yard, just beyond their fence line and just outside of a drainage and utility easement that encumbers County Ditch 66.  The beehives would be at least fifty (50) feet from either side property line.  The proposed location, number of hives, and size/volume of hives all comply with City Code Section 10-1 (f) (Beekeeping).

The Applicant has recently completed the University of Minnesota Department of Entomology's Beekeeping in Northern Climates-Year 1 program, which covers hive and colony management techniques.  The Applicant included the obtained certificate with her application for the Beekeeping License (attached).

The Applicant has attempted to contact the surrounding property owners about her desire to conduct hobby beekeeping on the Subject Property.  The property owners of the two abutting properties, as well as the property directly across the street from the Subject Property, have all signed a document outlining their support for the Beekeeping License.  The Applicant has attempted to connect with other property owners nearby but has not submitted any further information.  The City has not received any public comments concerning this request.

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #17-12-309 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 #17-12-309. 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 #17-12-309 approving a Beekeeping License for Kathleen Rosenow on the property generally known as 16137 Dysprosium St NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #17-12-309 approving a Beekeeping License for Kathleen Rosenow on the property generally know as 16137 Dysprosium St NW.