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WS – Item #3 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 3 Date: April 7, 2014 To: City Council From: Katie Larsen, City Planner Re: City Ordinance on the Keeping of Bees Background The City Council asked staff to compile information regarding the City ordinance as it relates to the keeping of bees. Section 1, Subd. 2.B defines animals as follows: Animals, Domestic. Any animal commonly accepted as a domesticated household pet. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include dogs, cats, caged birds including pigeons, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, domesticated rabbits, fish, non-poisonous, non-venomous and non-constricting reptiles or amphibians, and other similar animals. Animals, Farm. Any animal commonly associated with a farm or performing work in an agricultural setting. Unless otherwise defined, such animals shall include members of the equestrian family (horses, mules), bovine family (cows, bulls), sheep, poultry (chickens, turkeys), fowl (ducks, geese), swine (excluding Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs), goats, bees, and other animals associated with a farm, ranch, or stable. Per the City ordinance, bees are considered farm animals. Keeping of farm animals are allowed on properties zoned R, Rural and R-X, Rural Executive. No permit is required. The City currently has over 8,000 acres of property zoned R, Rural or R-X, Rural Executive which allows for the keeping of bees. This represents nearly 38% of the City’s total acreage (21,267 acres). R, Rural or R-X, Rural Executive parcel sizes range from anywhere 0.5 acres to 40+ acres. The two most recent requests came from residents who live on properties zoned single family and are 0.36 to 0.41 acres in size. Staff’s research on other community ordinances related to bee keeping found there is no standard regulation. Ordinances varied on lot size requirements, zoning districts, licensing, setbacks etc. 1