6.10.010 Definitions

“Hive” means the bee colony and all equipment used in connection with the bee colony. (Ord. 2394 (part), 1985).

6.10.020 Maintaining unlawful

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to maintain honeybees, (apis mellifera) on its property without licensing each hive with Animal Control. All hives shall be registered with Animal Control prior to April 1st of each year. A one-time fee shall be assessed on initial registration and established by City Commission resolution. (Ord. 2705, 1997; Ord. 2394 (part), 1985).

6.10.030 Limit of hives

The keeping of bees shall be limited to the parcel of property upon which the owner of bees resides. No more than five hives of honeybees for each one quarter acre of property or less shall be maintained on any lot. (Ord. 2394 (part), 1985).

6.10.040 Distance requirement

All hives must be maintained fifteen feet from the boundary lines of the lot on which such hives are located, unless a six-foot hedge or fence is erected between the hive(s) and the adjoining lots. (Ord. 2394 (part), 1985).

6.10.050 Supply of water

No hive of honey bees shall be maintained unless an adequate supply of water shall be furnished by the beekeeper on the lot within twenty feet of said hive(s) at all times between April 15th and October 15th of each year. (Ord 2394 (part), 1985).

6.10.060 Moveable framed hives

All beehive colonies shall be maintained in moveable framed hives, with adequate space in the hive to prevent overcrowding and swarming. (Ord. 2394 (part) 1985).

6.10.070 Colonies

Colonies of bees shall be re-queened or united with another hive following any swarming or aggressive behavior. (Ord. 2394 (part), 1985).

6.10.080 Hive restrictions

Non-moveable frame hives or feral honeybee colonies (honeybees which live in trees, sides of houses, etc.) are prohibited within the City limits. (Ord. 2394 (part), 1985).

6.10.090 Hours

The hives of bees may not be manipulated between the hours of sunset and sunrise unless the hives are being moved to or from another location. (Ord. 2394 (part), 1985).

6.10.100 Adjoining property owners’ written authorization

Any person, firm or corporation maintaining honeybees on its property shall obtain written permission to maintain such hives from persons owning and/or residing on the adjoining properties if those persons have a medically diagnosed allergic reaction to honeybee stings. (Ord. 2705, 1997; Ord. 2394 (part) 1985).

6.10.110 Penalties

1. Any violation of this chapter shall be punishable pursuant to Section 1.4.070 of this Code. No jail sentence shall be imposed.
2. On conviction of any violation of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the court before whom the conviction is had to order the defendant to abate such violation and/or remove such hives which are in violation, and if the same is not done by such defendant within three days, the same shall be abated and/or removed. (Ord. 2394 (part), 1985).