Have to move bees

JD · July 29, 2011, 06:38:40 PM

I've have bee's in my home town of Cheney Ks. I was told yesterday I had to remove them. Someone had complained but yet they haven't been stung. They gave me 30 days to find them a new home. So I guess I'll be moving 5 hives some where. Bummer. I really don't want to get rid of them.
JD

Kathyp · July 29, 2011, 06:48:37 PM

is there an actual ordinance against keeping bees?

twintrades · July 29, 2011, 08:34:09 PM

Move them to a friends house. Then when things cool down bringer home. And don't tell everyone. Btw imalso interested in this ordinance.

stella · July 29, 2011, 09:19:12 PM

Sorry to hear this.
Some people need to get educated on the goodness of bees.

AllenF · July 29, 2011, 09:57:30 PM

Good thing about Georgia, by law, they can not keep you from keeping bees where you want.

JimmyP · July 29, 2011, 10:14:30 PM

sorry to hear that. I bought my nucs this year from a breeder down here in Florida, he told me that the "feds" were establishing something that would allow anyone to keep bees in their yards regardless. I have looked for it, but, can not find it. I am not sure if anyone else has heard the same? It might be something to look forward to though.

Kathyp · July 29, 2011, 10:32:59 PM

oh good lord. lets hope the feds don't try to "help" us. if you don't like what is going on locally, do something about it. don't invite DC in to meddle with it.

BeeV · July 29, 2011, 10:46:14 PM

Quote from: kathyp on July 29, 2011, 10:32:59 PM
oh good lord. lets hope the feds don't try to "help" us. if you don't like what is going on locally, do something about it. don't invite DC in to meddle with it.

AMEN!

JD · July 30, 2011, 10:29:02 AM

The ordinance is 809 section 2-101 defines animals which includes bees. Then it goes into section 211 which defines nuisance: Animal activities prohibited. The way I read it you can't even have a dog if someone complains about it. I think I'll be moving out of town here in the near future. I've had people roof my house and put on siding. Both didn't pull a permit and both had to stop work until they got one. It's things like that really makes me wish I got a house outside of any city limit. I can go to the city of Wichita which is alot bigger and show you several places which there are bee hives. I thought small towns were alot friendlier. I really think theres more politics in some cases. I have until August 27 to move them. I'll harvest the honey then. The hives will be alot lighter then. Look at the bright side I guess.
JD

uglyfrozenfish · July 30, 2011, 10:59:01 AM

There is a way to subvert the system. I got this idea from an observation hive at a childrens museum near me. THey had a piece of pipe extend from the hive, inside, through the wall and outside. So, all you have to do is find some room in the basement, and set up your hives down there where people can't see them. Then put some pvc through your walls so the bees can get outside. Plant some bushes in front of the pvc so the neighbors don't see them and your golden until someone gets a search warrant for your house :-D.

Seriously, it is too bad that you have this dilema forced on you. I hope your able to find a happy medium and a place where your bees are wanted and appreciated by more than just you.

Lee

Michael Bush · July 31, 2011, 06:22:22 AM

Hard to work a hive in the basement when the bees all fly out and can't get back in...

buzzbee · July 31, 2011, 08:17:37 AM

If I had to move my bees,I would be sure to put empty boxes in the spot where they previously were. Let the neighbors complain,and show the enforcement people how some complain about nothing.
It is one way of thumbing your nose without actually retaliating.
If you want to find out who complained,file for a variance,they will need to show up and say why you shouldn't have honeybees.
However if you are in a dense population area with small lot sizes,you may be better off relocating.

AllenF · July 31, 2011, 09:00:38 AM

Good idea Buzzbee. I like it.

Kathyp · July 31, 2011, 10:44:54 AM

it only takes one and it doesn't matter whether it's small town or big. if you stay, you might work on getting something that specifically protects beekeepers.

JD · July 31, 2011, 01:17:53 PM

I really like the idea of getting a variance. I would like more information om the matter. Anything I can do to keep the bee's here on my property would be great. Thanks.
JD

specialkayme · July 31, 2011, 02:52:29 PM

I've been in your position once or twice.

First time, the neighbor had a wandering dog. He kept going on my land and barking at the hives, scratching them, and knocking them. The bees were tolerant for a little bit, but when they started stinging back suddenly the bees were the problem. Not the wandering dog, of course.

Second time I got permission from a landlord to have bees. He changed his mind, but didn't tell me about it. I found out when animal control was at my door. Animal control took one look at the hives and told me, "Well, the way I see it, I control animals. They aren't animals, and they can't be controlled . . . have a nice day."

Honey bees are the state insect of NC, and it's on the books that you can't zone or ordinance against them. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen though, and it doesn't mean that they can't be declared a nuisance. But it's nice to have a law in your pocket in case you ever need it, even though fighting it would take 10x more $ and 100x more work than just moving them. If you live near any farmland, ask the farmers to put your hives on their land. They will most likely be delighted. I keep mine on farmland, and I have neighboring farmers lined up for whenever I grow.