Adopt Resolution #16-03-047 Approving a Beekeeping License for the Property Located at 4720 155th Lane NW; Case of Everett Carder

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 Mr. Everett Carder, who desires to maintain two (2) honeybee hives on his property located at 4720
155th Lane NW (the "Subject Property").

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

The property owner desires to maintain two (2) honeybee hives on the Subject Property.  The Subject Property is zoned R-1 Residential (MUSA) and is approximately 4.71 acres in size.  The Subject Property is surrounded by parcels also zoned R-1 Residential (MUSA) and range in size from about two (2) to five (5) acres each to the north, west, and south and is bordered by the Rum River to the east. 

The property owner maintains a large garden in the western portion of the Subject Property and is proposing to locate the two (2) hives along the edge of the garden.  The hives would be located approximately sixty to eighty (60-80) feet from the western boundary and about 100 feet from the southern boundary of the Subject Property.  The combined volume of the hives would be less than twenty (20) cubic feet.  The property owner has stated that the Rum River satisfies the water supply requirement.

As of March 2, 2016, the City has not received any objections to the request and has received a letter of support from and adjacent neighbor.

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #16-03-047 approving a Beekeeping License for the Subject Property.  The request complies with all standards outlined in City Code Section 10-1(f).  Additionally, as of March 2, 2016, there have been no objections raised regarding this request.  Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not adopt Resolution #16-03-047.  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 #16-03-047 approving a Beekeeping License for Everett Carder on the property generally known as 4720 155th Lane NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #16-03-047 approving a Beekeeping License for Everett Carder on the property generally know as 4720 155th Lane NW.