Bee ordinances

[D Semple]

Cousin of mine is a city council member and former mayor of Mundelein, IL.

Currently they do not allow any beekeeping in their city.

They are looking to change this and allow beekeeping with "some limitations". Ray, my cousin phoned and asked what I thought would be sensible limits and to send them to him. I would like input from others who live in tighter suburban situations than I do. 

What do you think sensible limits are for a congested suburban town like this are?

Mundelein Statistics

Location: Northwest of downtown Chicago about 45 miles

Population: 31,000

Average Lot Size: 10,000 SF

Thanks for the help,

Don   

P.S. If you happen to know of a city or township which has what you think are sensible bee friendly restrictions, please send me a copy of their ordinances if you would to: [email protected]

[yockey5]

one of the last bee mags had a good write up (outlines for adopted ordinance) on this.

[D Semple]

one of the last bee mags had a good write up (outlines for adopted ordinance) on this.

Which one, I don't take any?

Thx

[BabcockFarms]

Just sent you an email with the ordinance for beekeeping that was just recently implemented in a town near by.

[D Semple]

Thanks Ron, perfect. I will forward it on.


Don

[Michael Bush]

There is an article in the last Bee Culture (I think, I also get ABJ, but I think  it was Bee Culture) on a recently passed ordinance that sounded very good.

[D Semple]

Thx Michael, I'll get a copy.

One more day, glad for you.

Don

[Billy B]

Frederick County, MD recently passed a new ordinance.   This is specific to lots less than 3 acres.  It's pretty minimal yet did hit on the key concerns that were being raised by those opposed, though item (2) is a bit silly without site specific context.    The original draft was considerably more restrictive and there was discussion about requiring permitting and collecting fees.  In the end it was defined to be "allowed by right", which means there is no requirement for a permit (though you must still register with the state).



THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS SHALL APPLY TO APIARIES IN THE R1, R3, Rs, Rs, R12, R16, Vc,
Mx GC, ORI, LI, AND GI ZONING DISTRICTS.

(1) THE APIARY SHALL BE LOCATED AT LEAST 10 FEET FROM ANY LOT LINE.

(2) THE APIARY SHALL BE LOCATED BEHIND A SOLID FENCE, HEDGE, OR OTHER
BARRIER THAT IS AT LEAST 6 FEET IN HEIGHT, RUNS PARALLEL TO THE PROPERTY LINE,
AND EXTENDS 10 FEET BEYOND THE APIARY IN EACH DIRECTION.

(3) A WATER SUPPLY SHALL BE PROVIDED TO MINIMIZE HONEYBEES FROM SEEKING
WATER OF F-SITE.

(4) APIARIES SHALL COMPLY WITH MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
REGULATIONS AS THEY PERTAIN TO BEEKEEPING.

(5) BEEKEEPERS SHALL BE REGISTERED BY MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN REGISTRATION WITH THE STATE CONSTITUTES
A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION

[BabcockFarms]

Don,

I forgot to mention that Hastings population is 25,000.