06-05-24 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Model Beekeeping Ordinance March 12, 2018 not be considered in violation the portion of this ordinance limiting the number of colonies if temporarily housing the swarm on the apiary lot in compliance with the standards of practice set out in this ordinance for no more than 6 months from the date acquired. Section 6. Inspection. A designated City official shall have the right to inspect any apiary for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this ordinance between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. once annually upon prior notice to the owner of the apiary property and more often upon complaint without prior notice. Section 7. Presumed Colony/Hive Value. For the purpose of enforcing City ordinances against destruction of property, each colony/hive shall be presumed to have a value of $275. Section 8. Compliance. 8.1 Upon receipt of credible information that any colony located within the City is not being kept in compliance with this ordinance, [the designated City official] shall cause an investigation to be conducted. If the investigation shows that a violation may exist and will continue, [the designated City official] shall cause a written notice of hearing to be issued to the beekeeper, which notice shall set forth: a. The date, the time and the place that the hearing will be held, which date shall be not less than 30 days from the date of the notice; b. The violation alleged; c. That the beekeeper may appear in person or through counsel, present evidence, cross examine witnesses and request a court reporter, and d. That if [the designated City official] finds that they have been kept in violation of this ordinance, and if the violation is not remediated within the time allowed, the bees may be ordered removed and/or destroyed. Notices shall be given by certified US Mail return receipt requested or personal delivery. However, if the beekeeper cannot be located, then notice may be given by publication in a legal newspaper for the county in which the apiary property is located, at least seven days before the hearing. 8.2 The hearing shall be conducted by [the designated City official]. The burden shall be on the City to demonstrate by a preponderance of evidence that the colony or colonies have been kept in violation of this ordinance. If [the designated City official] finds a violation, then he/she may order that the bees be removed from the City or such other action as may address the violation, and that the apiary lot be disqualified for permitting under this ordinance for a period of 2 years from the date of the order, the Page 4 of 5