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Farm Animals. The following is the zoning code language proposed by the Applicant for consideration: a. The number of hives on residential lots is not to exceed: i. 1 acre or larger: 8 ii. 1 acre - 3/4 Acre: 6 iii. 3/4 Acre to '/2 Acre: 4 iv. 1/2 acre or less: 2 b. The beehive(s) must not be located in the front of a property or a side yard that abuts a street. c. They may be no closer than twenty-five (25) feet to an occupied building on another lot and/or any public trail or walkway. d. The hives shall be located at least ten (10) feet from a property line. e. Any property owner who keeps bees shall provide and maintain a nearby, designated water source. Overview of Ordinance Amendments Staff has prepared draft ordinance language with new language added in red font for your review (Attachment Q. Language has been incorporated into the City ordinances to allow for the keeping of bee hives based on the language proposed by the Applicant to the following Section: Zoning Code Chapter 1325 — General Regulations o Amend — Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A., Location for Buildings Housing Farm Animals For research, staff conducted a survey of other local ordinances and found that the Cities of Gem Lake, New Brighton, Mounds View, Roseville, Shoreview, and Vadnais Heights have language that allows for the keeping of bees. Half of the communities surveyed require a City license/permit. Two of the communities have a provision that as part of the license/permit process, the City will notify adjacent property owners of the keeping of bees. The ordinance language as requested by the Applicant would allow for the keeping of bees as a permitted accessory use subject to the criteria as outlined without a license or permit. The Applicant shared in their narrative resources such as the MN Hobby Beekeepers Association and the University of Minnesota that offer educational materials and coursework on beekeeping. Staff has included for reference to the Planning Commission a model ordinance for beekeeping as prepared by the MN Hobby Beekeepers Association (Attachment D). The following are items identified in model ordinance language and surveyed communities that the Planning Commission may wish to discuss and consider: • License or permit requirement for bee hives. • Flyway barrier (i.e. wall, fence, or combination). • Evidence of completion from a honeybee keeping course (i.e. University of Minnesota). City of Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting for June 4, 2024 P:APlanning\Planning Cases\2024\PC 24-011, Location of Buildings Housing Farm Animals — CA Page 2 of 4