A beekeeping permit is required for the keeping of any number of hives on any lot or parcel of land within the City.
(a)
Inspection. Prior to issuance of a beekeeping permit, Animal Control Services shall conduct an inspection of the premises.
(b)
Conditions. The beekeeping permit applicant must be able to demonstrate compliance with the following conditions:
(1)
No hive shall be kept or maintained on any parcel of less than 6,000 square feet.
(2)
No more than three hives shall be maintained on any property or parcel of land.
(3)
The owner's name, address, and location of all such hives shall be registered with Animal Control Services.
(4)
Hives shall be located in the rear of the property of the applicant and no less than five feet from any side or rear lot lines. No hives shall be located in any front yard area of the property.
(5)
Hives must be situated more than 50 feet from any existing dwelling or any proposed dwelling for which a building permit has been issued.
(6)
All hives shall be oriented so that their entrances face a house or building on the premises and shall be surrounded by a solid fence, located no farther than 30 feet from such hives, that is not less than six feet in height and no more than the height specifically approved with the beekeeping permit application to comply with zoning regulations. Said fence may be open on the side facing a house or building on the premises.
(7)
A reliable water supply adequate to serve the needs of the hives located on the premises shall be maintained at all times on such premises. Running water is ideal; however, a pond or fountain, or similar, meet the requirements of the code.
(c)
Required Finding. The Animal Control Officer reviewing the permit application shall find that the hives will not cause unreasonable disturbance to the health or safety of residents occupying properties adjoining the property or parcel before permit issuance.
(d)
Personal Permit. Beekeeping permits shall be personal to the applicant and shall not run with the land.
(e)
Renewal Permit. Every two years, a renewal permit shall be obtained by a holder of a beekeeping permit. The fee for the issuance of a permit and a renewal permit shall be established by City Council resolution, and the renewal permit fee is due and payable each year on the second anniversary of the date of the issuance of the initial permit. The renewal fee shall become delinquent 30 days after it becomes due and payable, and upon delinquency, an additional delinquent fee established by resolution of the City Council may be added to the succeeding year's renewal fee.
(f)
Inspection of Permit. Beekeeping permits issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall be surrendered for inspection by the permit holder upon the request of the Animal Control Director or an Animal Control Officer.
(g)
Additional Inspections. The premises on which bees are maintained pursuant to a beekeeping permit may be open at any reasonable hour for inspection by the Animal Control Director or designee.