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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JUNE 24, 2024 6 Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. B. Planning Case 24-011 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A — Location Of Buildings Housing Farm Animals, Bees Community Development Director Jagoe stated earlier this year, Joe Kimbell, "Applicant," contacted the City to verify if the keeping of bees would be allowed on his property at 3759 New Brighton Road ("Subject Property"). Staff conveyed that, at present, the City Code requires that "Any building in which farm animals are kept shall be located a distance of two hundred (200) feet or more from any lot line. Any open structure in which farm animals are kept shall be a distance of four hundred (400) feet or more from any lot line, except for chicken coops in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts." Farm animals are defined as "Animals traditionally kept or raised on a farm for the purpose of providing food or products for sale or use, such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, fowl, bees, and animals raised for fur." In review of the Subject Property, city staff determined that the property did not have the lot width required to meet the distance requirements from any lot line for placement of the bee hive(s). Community Development Director Jagoe reported based on that evaluation, the Applicant submitted a land use application for a Zoning Code Amendment to add language to the Zoning Code for residential zoning districts that would exempt the keeping of bees under Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A — Location of Buildings Housing Farm Animals. The following is the zoning code language proposed by the Applicant for consideration: 1. 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 1/2 Acre: 4 iv. 1/2 acre or less: 2 2. The beehive(s) must not be located in the front of a property or a side yard that abuts a street. 3. They may be no closer than twenty-five (25) feet to an occupied building on another lot and/or any public trail or walkway. 4. The hives shall be located at least ten (10) feet from a property line. 5. Any property owner who keeps bees shall provide and maintain a nearby, designated water source. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their June 5, 2024 meeting. At that time, they recommended the addition of a sixth condition that would require any property owner who keeps bees to provide notification to adjacent properties. Staff mirrored the language in the draft ordinance similarly to the phrasing for the keeping of chickens. Councilmember Fabel explained he was a fan of bee keeping. He stated he was a strong supporter of this proposal and did not support imposing any other requirements other than those that were recommended by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Holden questioned if the water source was a major issue.