HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 05-23-2023 SpecialCity Council 1 of 1 May 23, 2023
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
AGENDA
Special City Council
May 23, 2023, 5:00 PM
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.TOPICS
2.1 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Overview
2.2 Discuss beekeeping regulations
2021 Case with Attachments
Draft 2023 Ordinance with Comments
2021 FlashVote Results
Correspondence Received
2.3 Set future study sessions
June
July
August
September
3.ADJOURN
1
Special City
Council
May 23, 2023
Agenda
Number:2.1
To:Dave Callister, City Manager
Prepared by:Jodi Gallup, City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator
Reviewed by:Maria Solano, Deputy City Manager
Item:Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Overview
1.Action Requested:
City Manager Dave Callister will give a presentation on the basics of Tax Increment Financing.
2.Background:
Staff will provide the council with a high-level overview of tax increment financing (TIF) and how it
is used as a financing tool in Plymouth. The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the council
with a basic understanding of TIF and answer council questions.
3.Budget Impact:
N/A
4.Attachments:
2
Special City
Council
May 23, 2023
Agenda
Number:2.2
To:Dave Callister, City Manager
Prepared by:Chloe McGuire, Planning and Development Manager
Reviewed by:Grant Fernelius, Community and Economic Development
Director
Item:Discuss beekeeping regulations
1.Action Requested:
Provide staff direction on next steps.
2.Background:
The City Council discussed beekeeping regulations in 2021. At that time, the City Council decided
not to approve any additional beekeeping in the city. Currently, bees are only allowed in the FRD
zoning district.
Staff will give a brief verbal presentation and be available for questions.
3.Budget Impact:
N/A
The city could receive a small license amount annually if approved as a license by the city.
4.Attachments:
2021 Case with Attachments
Draft 2023 Ordinance with Comments
2021 FlashVote Results
Correspondence Received
3
Regular City
Council
February 9, 2021
Agenda
Number:8.2
To:Dave Callister, City Manager
Prepared by:Kip Berglund, Senior Planner
Reviewed by:Steve Juetten, Community Development Director
Item:Consider amending various sections of the City Code and Zoning
Ordinance to allow bees in single-family zoning districts
(2019060)
1.Action Requested:
Adopt attached ordinance, resolution approving findings of fact, and resolution approving summary
publication of said ordinance to allow bees in single-family zoning districts.
Approval of the amendments requires a 4/7 vote of the Council. Approval of the summary
publication requires a 5/7 vote.
2.Background:
On January 20, 2021, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on this matter and
subsequently voted six votes in favor and one vote against to recommend approval of the request,
Commissioner Saba voted against.
Commissioners discussed the draft ordinance and questioned: 1) the need for a beehive to be both
50 feet from a home on an adjacent property and 25 feet from the side and rear property lines. They
recommended removing the 50-foot setback requirement and to keep the 25-foot setback
requirement; 2) the requirement for a flyway barrier for any colony located within 200 feet of a
neighboring dwelling or public property and recommended removing any flyway barrier from the
ordinance; and 3) the permit requirement and length of time for renewal. They discussed the
scenario of someone with bee allergies moving into a home within 200 feet of a licensed beehive
property not being noticed of the hive for three years. Therefore, they recommended changing the
permit length from three to two years.
In addition to Gary Reuter, from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, three residents spoke on this
item in support of the text amendment.
View the FlashVote results on the City's website at:
https://www.flashvote.com/plymouth-mn/surveys/chickens-and-bees-02-21
Notice of the Planning Commission’s public hearing was published in the City’s official newspaper.
3.Budget Impact:
14
The City would receive a license fee of $100 biennially per application.
4.Planning Review Deadline: *
March 31, 2021
5.Attachments:
Planning Commission Report
Planning Commission Minutes
Correspondence Received
Summary Table of Listed Cities
Homeowners Associations (HOA) Locations Map
Lot Sizes Map
U of M List of Bee Ordinances
Research Paper on Bees
Ordinance
Resolution - Findings of Fact
Resolution - Summary Publication
25
Agenda Number
File 2019060
PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PLANNING AND ZONING
STAFF REPORT
TO:Plymouth Planning Commission
FROM:Kip Berglund, Senior Planner (509-5457) through Steve Juetten, Community
Development Director
MEETING DATE:January 20, 2021
APPLICANT:City of Plymouth
SUBJECT:Zoning ordinance text amendment (ZOTA) to allow Bees in single-family
zoning districts
INTRODUCTION:
The proposed text amendment would allow for the keeping of bees in single-family zoning districts.
Notice of the public hearing on this matter was published in the city’s official newspaper.
LEVEL OF CITY DISCRETION IN DECISION-MAKING:
The City has a high level of discretion in approving amendments to the zoning ordinance. Amendments
to the zoning ordinance must be consistent with the City’s comprehensive plan and compatible with other
policies, uses and provisions of the zoning ordinance.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS:
On September 8, 2020, and January 12, 2021, the Council conducted study sessions on the regulations of
bees. In a response to an increased interest in suburban raising of bees, the City is reviewing the possibility
of allowing residents to enjoy this hobby and educational experience on their property.
36
2019060
Page 2
2
Bees are currently regulated by the zoning ordinance as farm animals and are only allowed in the Future
Restricted Development (FRD) zoning district. Many nearby communities have adopted ordinances to
allow bees to be raised on residential properties, including the cities of Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Fridley
and St. Louis Park.
Staff has researched how other communities regulate bees from the following cities:
Blaine
Bloomington
Chanhassen
Coon Rapids
Crystal
Maple Grove
Minneapolis
Minnetonka
New Hope
St. Louis Park
St. Paul
The University of Minnesota (U of M) was a resource staff used to understand the complexity of
keeping of bees. Staff has reached out to the U of M Bee Squad and hopes to have additional
information at the meeting. Attached are references on research and information on the keeping
of bees including links to research, education and to cities within the State of Minnesota
beekeeping ordinances.
Suburbs in the Twin Cities metro either limit bees to agricultural areas or have some sort of
permitting process with standards to reduce impacts to neighboring properties. The keeping of
bees in other communities varies throughout the region. The categories range from: 1) prohibited
(Apple Valley, Burnsville, Golden Valley, Hopkins); 2) allowed as long as they do not cause a
nuisance (Champlin, Maple Plain, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park); 3) allowed in agricultural areas
(Plymouth, Blaine, Shakopee, Woodbury); 4) allowed with restrictions (Bloomington,
Farmington, Maple Grove, Prior Lake); and 5) allowed with restrictions and permit or registration
(Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Chanhassen, Eagan, Edina, Fridley, Minneapolis).
There are several concerns about beekeeping and impacts to neighboring properties.
The primary concerns regarding urban beekeeping are:
Swarming of bees where a large number of bees will leave the hive and may travel a
significant distance. Bees in swarms are more likely to be aggressive and humans may be
more likely to panic and act in a way the bees may perceive as a threat (flyway barriers
may mitigate this concern and are required in the draft ordinance);
Individual bees may leave the owners property in search of water or nectar, which may be
mitigated by adequate provision of water and flowering plants on the property (a water
source may mitigate this concern and are required in the draft ordinance);
Bee stings present a safety and quality of life issue for neighboring residents, especially
those with bee allergies;
Bees generate noise that may be considered an annoyance for neighboring property owners
(information found states that when bees are actively working a hive, creating honey, the
sound is similar to a fan); and
47
File 2019060
Page 3
3
Honeybees are not a native species and may harm native bees by competing for habitat and
resources and through the spread of disease.
There are a number of neighborhood covenants/homeowner association (HOA) restrictions that
are in place in much of the cities residential neighborhoods. Questions have been raised about
neighborhood covenants and whether or not the keeping of bees is permitted in all neighborhoods.
It is important to note that the city is typically not a party to such covenants, and that they are
enforced privately by developers and homeowner’s associations. Many HOA’s may prohibit the
keeping of bees or have more stringent standards. A map is attached showing single family
subdivisions where HOA’s were established when approved.
The following items were discussed at the City Council Study Session and as a result of that
discussion, further modifications were made, and are a part of the proposed ordinance
1.Zoning districts allowed in and range in lot sizes. The draft ordinance would allow the keeping
of bees in all single-family residential zoning districts (FRD, RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3, single
family detached PUDs), as an accessory use, subject to a set of standards. The proposed
ordinance does not specify a minimum lot size for keeping of bees, but rather includes several
measures, such as setbacks from property lines and adjacent buildings, that are intended to
protect neighboring properties and minimize the potential of creating nuisances. In
communities surveyed, the smallest single-family lot that allowed bees was 2,000 square feet
(St. Paul) to five acres (Brooklyn Park, MN). Many communities tied additional regulations
to those allowing bees on smaller lots such as adjacent neighbor approvals and required
permits.
2.Number of beehives allowed. The draft ordinance limits an apiary to 2 beehives or colonies.
Staff notes that if approved, this could be considered a conservative number compared to bee
ordinances in other communities within the area. For example, Chanhassen allows 8 colonies
on lots 2.5 to 10 acres and does not limit the number on lots larger than 10 acres. On the other
hand, St. Paul limits the number of colonies to 4. The number of hives allowed could be
increased based on the lot size through future amendments. Research indicates that there is
value in having more than one hive at a time and that the keeping of more than 3-4 hives
increases the time needed in order to properly care for the hives.
3.Require a permit (once, yearly, every three years) or neighbor approval signature. The draft
ordinance requires a city issued permit to keep bees. The draft states “The city, upon receiving
the application for a bee keeping permit, will notify all property owners within 200 feet of the
subject property. The city will give the adjacent residents two weeks (14 calendar days) to
respond to the notice with any objection, and will be specifically asked if bee allergies are
present in any household. If bee allergies are documented in an adjacent household (within
200 feet), the bee keeping permit will be denied.” As drafted, the license would be renewable
every three years.
4.Required Setbacks. The draft ordinance requires 25 feet from the property line and 50 feet
from adjacent property principal buildings. In the communities surveyed, the setbacks for bee
hives typically range from a minimum of 25 feet to 50 feet from the property line. However,
58
File 2019060
Page 4
4
New Hope states that bee hives must be located 500 feet from any other property. In some
instances, both a distance from the property line and a minimum distance from the adjacent
residence is required. For example, West St. Paul requires hives to be at least 100 feet from
neighboring houses.
5. Required Signage. The draft ordinance requires any property that receives approval for the
keeping of bees post a sign on the property readable a minimum of five feet from the hive, that
a beehive is present on the property. The signs shall be at least 4 square feet and up to 8 square
feet.
6.Home Occupation. If the city allows the keeping of bees and the homeowner wanted to sell
honey, it is suggested that they would need to go through the Home Occupation License
process as outlined in the zoning ordinance. In addition, the homeowner would also need to
comply with any State of Minnesota regulations.
7.Flyway Barrier. The draft ordinance requires colonies located within 200 feet of a neighboring
dwelling or public property shall maintain a 6-foot vertical flyover barrier on the dwelling or
public property side. A flyway barrier is defined as: barrier that directs bee’s flight upward to
prevent bees from flying at a height where they could intersect with a person or animal in a
neighboring property. The barrier could be a solid wall, fence, dense vegetation, or any
combination thereof that provides an obstruction through which honey bees cannot readily fly.
Examples of natural and constructed flyway barriers (note, although no setback from the hive is
required in the draft ordinance, research suggests that they be located in close proximity to the hive, i.e.
5 feet):
8. Flying range of bees/noise. Staff notes that research identifies that bees are willing to travel
miles from the hive to forage for food and water sources but typically they will find nectar
within a two mile radius. Therefore, it is suggested that properties that contain colonies of
bees provide nectar and water sources to encourage the bees to stay as near the hives as
possible. Although bees can make a buzzing sound similar to a fan while working/making
honeyand it can be louder if/when the bees begin to swarm, research did not identify the typical
distance from where the sound can be heard. Staff notes that the draft ordinance requires a 50-
69
File 2019060
Page 5
5
foot setback for any hive from an adjacent home. This could help to mitigate any buzzing
sound that would be considered a nuisance.
9. Bees in cold weather climates. Beekeepers in cold weather climates typically take measures
in order to keep their colonies alive. For example, providing a wind breaker, reducing the size
of the hive, covering and feeding them. As a natural process, honeybees retreat to their hives
and form a winter cluster to keep warm. The male drones are booted out of the hive when the
weather turns cold and do not survive the winter. This leaves the females, workers and queen.
RECOMMENDATION:
Community Development Department staff recommends that the Planning Commission conduct
the public hearing, review and discuss the proposed amendment, and subsequently provide its
recommendation to the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Ordinance
2. Draft Findings of Fact for Text Amendments
3. Summary table of regulations of the listed cities
4. Homeowners Associations (HOA) Locations Map
5. Single-family lots sizes Zoning Map
6. University of Minnesota List of Bee Ordinances
7. Research Paper on Bees; Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review; 2012
710
1
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Proposed Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
January 20, 2021
Chair Anderson called a Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on January 20, 2021.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Marc Anderson, Commissioners David Witte, Justin
Markell, Michael Boo, Bryan Oakley, Donovan Saba and Julie Pointner.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Steve Juetten, Senior Planner Kip
Berglund, Senior Planner Shawn Drill, Senior Planner Lori Sommers, and Community
Development Coordinator Matt Lupini.
OTHERS PRESENT:Councilmember Ned Carroll, University of Minnesota Bee Squad
Representative Gary Reuter and University of Minnesota Extension Services Representative
Wayne Martin.
Public Hearings
(5.1) Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA) to allow Bees in single-family zoning
districts (2019060).
Senior Planner Berglund reviewed the staff report.
Chair Anderson introduced Gary Reuter from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. Mr. Reuter
stated that he has been a beekeeper for 35 years and has been taking care of the bees at the
university for the past 30 years and is active in the industry. He stated that he has worked with
municipalities in the past to help create ordinances, although not directly involved in the creation
of this ordinance, he did have discussions with the staff and noted that he is available to answer
any questions. He further stated that he feels that the setbacks are conservative, noting that
typically a ten-foot setback from the property line and a 25-foot setback from an occupied home
would be sufficient.
Commissioner Boo asked if any cities have adopted an ordinance and then repealed it or have
experienced problems after implementing an ordinance.
Senior Planner Berglund replied that he could not find any examples in which a city adopted an
ordinance and then repealed it because of problems.
811
2
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Mr. Reuter commented that he has not heard of any cities reversing ordinances once adopted
either. He stated that some cities have made amendments once adopted to make the ordinance
work better in the community, such as Minneapolis allowing beekeeping on roofs.
Commissioner Witte asked if there are any native honeybees.
Mr. Reuter confirmed that all honeybees are nonnative.
Commissioner Witte commented that bees are typically not aggressive. He asked if bees swarm
for other reasons outside of rejection of the queen.
Mr. Reuter replied that swarming is actually reproduction for a honeybee colony. He explained
that in general if a colony is doing well and has good resources, sometimes half the hive will
leave to start a new colony as a form of reproduction. He stated that it is not an aggressive
behavior. He stated that bees are only aggressive when protecting their home or themselves,
which is why they like to see distance from the colony, which is typically five feet. He stated
that a swarm will have a few thousand bees and a person could get nervous if they see that.
Commissioner Witte stated that this seems to be more of a hobby type of beekeeping and
reviewed the process someone would follow to start their colony. He asked if that colony would
be expected to expand over time. He asked if bees would be reproducing at a rate that would
expand the number of hives past that which would be allowed.
Mr. Reuter commented that the beekeeper can control the expansion. He explained that a person
would generally start with a package of bees that would include a queen and about 7,000 bees for
their box. He stated that the bees do not expand exponentially because bees only live for six
weeks during the summer. He commented that most bees will stay within the colony making
enough honey to maintain through the winter. He stated that about 50 percent of the bees will
not make it through the winter. He noted that if the bees survive, the colony is split into two
hives in the spring as a method of swarm control. He agreed that the number of hives should be
limited to two or four and if someone has successful hives, they could sell a hive.
Commissioner Witte asked for thoughts on beekeeping in an urban area compared to a rural area
and whether there would be a recommended lot size.
Mr. Reuter replied that he did not believe that lot size was necessarily the issue, as long as the
setbacks can be met. He stated that there should not be a regulation keeping a beekeeper from
keeping the bees right next to their own house, but they should not be kept close to a neighboring
home.
Commissioner Witte asked if insurance coverage has come up in the past for other
municipalities.
Mr. Reuter commented that he is not aware of such a requirement.
Commissioner Oakley referenced the flyaway barrier, which appears to be a fence. He asked if
that would then fall under the fence ordinance related to height. He noted that there would be a
minimum height for a barrier but there is also a maximum height for a fence.
912
3
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Senior Planner Berglund replied that the flyaway barrier must be a minimum of six feet high. He
stated that fencing located in the rear or side of the property, where hives would be allowed, can
be six feet high under ordinance, or higher under a conditional use permit.
Commissioner Markell asked if public property is defined in the zoning ordinance as it is
mentioned in the draft ordinance related to the flyaway barrier.
Senior Planner Berglund commented that the intention would be that public property is publicly
owned and could be utilized by the public and could be within proximity of the property, such as
park property owned by the city or three rivers park district. He commented that a sidewalk
would not fall into that category.
Community Development Director Juetten commented that the ordinance states that hives cannot
be in front yards and therefore a sidewalk should not be an issue. He stated that further review
related to trails adjacent to a side yard would need to be completed.
Commissioner Markell referenced the permitting process and stated that he would like to see an
annual or biennual permit rather than a three-year permit. He stated that as drafted there would
be a 14-day review period where neighbors within 200 feet could object and if a neighbor has a
bee allergy the permit would be denied. He asked what would happen if someone received a
permit and the following year a person moves into the neighboring property that has a bee
allergy.
Senior Planner Berglund confirmed that an applicant could receive an approval in year one and
would not have to ask for subsequent approval until year three. He noted that the allergy would
not be discovered until the permit expires and renewal is requested. He stated that staff does not
believe that disclosures would be required for neighbors of a property that keeps bees.
Commissioner Saba commented that as an agent it would be a decision whether to disclose that
information. He stated that he would encourage his customer to disclose that if they were listing
their property, but it would not be required.
Community Development Director Juetten stated that the requirement for signage has been
included so that someone looking at a property for potential purchase could notice the sign.
Commissioner Pointner asked how intense a water source would have to be.
Mr. Reuter replied that the water source could be a bucket of water. He stated that he would
recommend that the water be supplied continuously to prevent bees from traveling to look for
other water sources. He stated that the water would need to be filled perhaps once a week
because bees do not drink much.
Commissioner Saba commented that it appears that bees can wander up to two miles from the
hive.
1013
4
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Mr. Reuter confirmed that to be true but noted that he would not call it wandering as bees are
precise in their travels. He stated that the average distance is 1.25 miles from the hive and will
stay as close as possible because it is less work.
Commissioner Saba asked the targeted source of pollen.
Mr. Reuter replied that any source of pollen will suffice. He noted that in the spring it typically
begins with dandelion and fruit trees and then clover and goldenrod in the fall.
Commissioner Saba commented that there is agricultural land in the area and asked if bees are
attracted to that food source.
Mr. Reuter confirmed that bees are attracted to gardens and a garden may see improvement from
the pollination. He stated that bees get a little from soybeans and nothing from corn but do
benefit from other row crop fruits and vegetables.
Commissioner Saba commented that the intent is described as hobby and education and asked if
that would be a proper categorization.
Mr. Reuter replied that specifically within residential areas that would be the intent as a
beekeeper that is doing that as a business would not do that on a residential property. He
commented that most hobbyist like to watch the behavior and take care of the bees and might get
a small amount of honey as well.
Commissioner Saba asked for information on the competition that the hives would bring to
native bees.
Mr. Reuter replied that if there is a very limited resource there would be some competition but if
there is a legitimate amount of flowers available all the bees would survive together. He
commented that in most municipalities that allow beekeeping, other than Minneapolis, there is
only interest from a few residents, and it is not an overwhelming response.
Commissioner Saba commented on the concept of doing this for the betterment of the
environment and therefore would be concerned that people would have the intent of helping bees
in the environment, but this could create competition.
Mr. Reuter stated that if the goal is to simply help native bees the resident would be better off
planting flowers rather than beekeeping. He commented that beekeeping is not inexpensive and
would easily cost in excess of $1,000 to get started.
Commissioner Oakley asked if there would be a suggestion for the maximum number of permits
that should be issued in order to reasonably support the population.
Mr. Reuter replied that they have had that discussion in the bee lab but did not come up with a
number. He commented that perhaps there is a legitimate cap on a certain number of colonies
within a certain distance, using the example of a set number of permits within a two-mile radius.
He recognized that could create problems as that would be a first come first serve basis type
policy for residents in the same area.
1114
5
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Commissioner Witte asked if a beekeeper could sell honey at a farmers market without an
additional permit.
Senior Planner Berglund replied that if clients come to the home and market for sale from the
home a home occupation permit would be needed but noted that additional permitting would not
be required to sell honey at a farmers market.
Commissioner Witte commented that many homeowners associations have covenants that would
clash with beekeeping and signage. He stated that it would be nice if there is advisory language
that states a resident must check with their HOA to ensure that activity is allowed under the
covenant.
Senior Planner Berglund replied that language is not included in the draft ordinance but agreed
that many HOAs have restrictions beyond the city’s restrictions. He stated that if the ordinance
is allowed the city could place language on the website that summarizes the ordinance and could
include a statement that although the city allows the activity the resident should check with their
HOA to see if the activity is restricted.
Chair Anderson commented that at one point in his life he did keep a colony of bees for
pollination of his garden and trees. He referenced the queen excluder, which would keep the
queen restricted to parts of the hive and may prevent swarming. He asked if that should be
required.
Mr. Reuter confirmed that is partly the intent of the excluder and advised that it also prevents egg
laying from the honey supers. He stated that there are pros and cons to using the excluder but
noted that he would not recommend requiring it.
Chair Anderson stated that Plymouth is mostly developed with lawns treated with chemicals
intended to kill dandelions and clover. He asked if there would be sufficient food available with
that type of chemical use.
Mr. Reuter commented that unfortunately people favor grass without dandelion and clover, but
he believed there would be enough food. He commented that if someone were keeping bees that
could not collect enough to live, he would hope that person would realize and stop keeping the
bees.
Chair Anderson commented that many plants purchased are treated with a chemical that is
detrimental to bees and asked for input. He asked if the city would need to regulate the use of
that chemical if beekeeping is allowed.
Mr. Reuter replied that if the chemical is in a plant that is going to flower it would be a problem
for the bees as it is a systemic pesticide that goes throughout the plant. He stated that anything
that could be done to discourage the use of that product would be beneficial for all bees.
Senior Planner Berglund commented that he is not aware of a ban on that product within
Plymouth.
1215
6
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Community Development Director Juetten commented that there has been a common theme
from the city council that there is a fear of bees and bee allergies. He asked for input on that
concern.
Mr. Reuter replied that his wife has bee allergies, and he has kept bees for 35 years without
incident. He stated that the chances of being stung are pretty slim. He estimated that two to
three percent of the population is thought to be allergic to stinging insects and within that
population the venom is different, so the person is typically not allergic to all stinging insects.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
Chair Anderson introduced Gretchen Larson, 12511 11th Avenue N., Plymouth, who stated that
she is a resident of ward two and has been interested in beekeeping for some time. She stated
that she took the beekeeping course at Bethel College two years ago and encourages the
ordinance change to allow beekeeping. She stated that the state is offering grants to homeowners
to support pollinators in order to create more habitat. She stated that she has spent more time at
home this past year than ever before and people have been spending more time in their yards and
improving their property. She stated that the health of the land will be the legacy they leave for
the next occupants. She commented on the intricate relationship between the people and the
land. She stated that pollinators provide a quantifiable and measurable level of health. She
stated that beekeeping allows the integration of people and place.
Chair Anderson introduced Mandy Rhead, 14915 32
nd Avenue N., Plymouth, commented that she
supports the ordinance to allow the keeping of bees and echoed the comments of the previous
speaker. She noted the relationship between bees, the environment and food sources. She stated
that many people in the community support the keeping of bees. She stated that some of her
concerns would be related to the setback requirements proposed and commented that a more
reasonable expectation would be to have a setback from the property line. She stated that she
also has concern with the flyaway requirements, as most properties would have other homes
within 200 feet of the hive. She stated that she would not want to see a six-foot fenced box in the
middle of someone’s yard and that may prevent someone from keeping bees. She commented
that she agrees with the permitting, notification and signage as that would alert people to a hive
on the residence. She stated that perhaps only the homes immediately adjacent to a hive would
need to be notified. She stated that she is not concerned with the use of a smoker or with noise
from bees. She thanked the commission for allowing her to provide input.
Community Development Director Juetten replied that the setback measurements would be taken
from an aerial GIS image and a resident would not be required to go onto a neighboring property
to measure the distance from that home. He clarified that the 50-foot setback would be from
homes located adjacent to the property and if the hive is within 200 feet of a neighboring home
or public property, a flyaway barrier would be required to separate the hive from those areas.
Commissioner Witte commented that the commission talked about fencing not too long ago and
thought the fencing requirement was increased for commercial locations. He asked if that
language could be incorporated in this instance.
1316
7
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Community Development Director Juetten confirmed that the height was increased to 6.5 feet
within the fence ordinance and noted that the language for the flyaway barrier could mirror the
fence ordinance.
Community Development Coordinator Lupini read an email from Daniel Mack, 12610 53
rd
Avenue N., Plymouth into the record with comments of support as a resident and beekeeper. The
resident likened beekeeping to keeping a dog as a pet, noting that both are docile, and the
likelihood of aggression would only come if provoked. The resident asked if the flyaway barrier
would be necessary or whether the setback itself would be sufficient. The resident asked if a
beekeeping class would be required for those that are already experienced and whether it would
be necessary to place restriction on honey sales from the home.
Chair Anderson closed the public hearing.
Mr. Reuter commented that a flyaway barrier has a purpose but having a flyaway barrier within
200 feet is excessive. He stated that if something is 25 feet from a colony there would most
likely not be any interaction. He explained that a flyaway barrier is typically used if a hive is
going to be closer to the property line. He stated that if the hive were going to be setback from
the property line by 25 feet a flyaway barrier would not be needed but if the hive were going to
be closer than 25 feet a flyaway barrier should be used. He commented that many cities require
an educational component but there is variability on what that requirement is. He did not know
of any municipalities that make an exception for experience.
Community Development Director Juetten agreed that it would be difficult to prove experience
or what is considered experience and therefore it would be easier for implementation if a class is
simply required.
Senior Planner Berglund commented that honey sales from the home would require a home
occupation permit as that type of activity is limited from the home, based on the language within
the home occupation section of the code.
Commissioner Saba commented that there are better ways to support native bees, by planting
flowers or a garden, and therefore it seems that beekeeping would work against improving the
environment for native bees. He stated that unlike the dog analogy, bees wander without leashes
for up to two miles and are not contained within a yard. He commented that neighbors come and
go, and beekeeping could impact the value or desirability of a neighboring home.
Commissioner Witte stated that he could support the idea but does have additional questions. He
commented that this would be a lot of work as a hobby.
Commissioner Pointner stated that she could support this as she does not believe there would be
a huge inflow of permit requests from residents. She commented that the draft resolution
includes provisions that would make it a safe activity.
Commissioner Boo stated that he leans towards supporting allowing this activity. He stated that
he does understand the viewpoint of Commissioner Saba but noted that the intent of allowing the
activity would be as a hobby and not a means of improving environment overall.
1417
8
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Commissioner Oakley commented that he would support some form of the ordinance although
there are some details he would want to work out. He stated that this is a hobby that some
people are interested in, noting that he has purchased honey from a coworker that keeps bees in a
neighboring community. He believed that the ordinance could be designed to ensure that it
works well for those that are interested.
Chair Anderson stated that he also supports this ordinance. He stated that he agrees with the
comments of Commission Saba related to pollinators noting that he has spoken at a public forum
about bee safe yards. He stated that he plants native plants for pollinators which includes bees
and butterflies. He commented that it is a lot of work to be a beekeeper and therefore people will
most likely only come forward that would do it responsibly. He suggested that the commission
review some of the issues within the draft ordinance, beginning with the setback.
Commissioner Markell stated that he lives in a neighborhood managed by an HOA that would
most likely not allow this activity. He provided the example of a one third acre lot that has
homes on both sides and backs up to the backyards of other homes. He asked if the 200-foot
setback would then be triggered on all sides and require a flyaway barrier on all sides of the hive.
Senior Planner Berglund confirmed that would be correct. He stated that there are some
communities that specifically state a boundary fence cannot act as a barrier. He stated that as the
ordinance is drafted a six-foot boundary fence around the yard and the home itself would act as
the flyaway barrier. He recognized that the ordinance is conservatively written, and the
requirements are up for negotiation by the commission.
Commissioner Markell noted that it appears that as drafted the ordinance would not allow for a
boundary fence to be a flyaway barrier.
Community Development Director Juetten commented that boundary fences can serve as
flyaway barriers and therefore the last sentence of section E could be removed.
Commissioner Oakley commented that there are two issues, how far a hive should be setback
from the property line and whether there should be an additional setback from homes. He
suggested that the requirement in E should be removed, as activity on adjacent properties could
impact an existing hive. He used the example of a hive existing and then a neighboring property
owner expanding their home. He stated that he has received comments that the 25-foot setback
is excessive, noting that he does not have expertise on this matter and would defer to the experts.
He asked if the commission feels that E is necessary at all and whether D should be changed.
Mr. Reuter commented that a ten-foot setback from the property line would be sufficient. He
stated that in general a flyaway barrier would be required if the hive is within 25 feet of an
adjacent occupied dwelling.
Commissioner Boo commented that this activity would be a hobby and therefore it should be
comfortable for the rest of the neighborhood to live with this hobby on a neighboring property
therefore he supports a 25-foot setback. He stated that there are also setbacks on the other side
of the lot line for structures and believed that a 25-foot setback for the hive would be sufficient
and did not see a need for section E.
1518
9
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Commissioner Witte agreed with the comments of Commissioner Boo. He stated that he would
also suggest 200 feet be replaced with 50 feet for the flyaway barrier requirement.
Commissioner Saba stated that Minneapolis requires a flyaway barrier if the hive is within 25
feet of the property line.
Mr. Reuter stated that if you are more than 25 feet from the property line you would not need a
flyaway barrier.
Commissioner Saba agreed that the flyaway barrier would not seem to be needed if the 25-foot
setback is implemented.
It was the consensus of the Commission to use the 25-foot setback and not require a flyaway
barrier.
Commissioner Oakley commented that while he would support a maximum number of permits,
he would be unsure what that would be and therefore would suggest leaving that unless it
becomes an issue.
Mr. Reuter commented that he would be unsure how to create a maximum number of permits.
He stated that if he were to place a restriction, he would suggest that permits be at least one mile
apart, which is the requirement for the distance between commercial hives in North Dakota.
Commissioner Oakley stated that he was considering whether there be a maximum number of
permits allowed within the city, rather than placing a distance restriction. He asked how many
hives could reasonably be supported in a 36 square mile city and did not believe that type of
information was provided in the report.
It was the consensus of the Commission to not place a restriction on the number of permits
allowed within the city and to require permittees to complete a beekeeping course. It was
confirmed that the language related to a home occupation permit should remain for honey sales
from a home.
Commissioner Markell asked what types of permits are renewed on an annual basis.
Senior Planner Berglund reviewed the types of activities that require annual permits, such as
temporary sales.
Community Development Director Juetten commented that rental licensing for a single-family
home is required to be renewed every three years while an apartment is each year, and a liquor
license is renewed each year as well.
Commissioner Markell commented that he believes the renewal process should be annual to
ensure that there are no issues. He used the example of someone purchasing a neighboring
property has a conflict.
1619
10
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
Community Development Director Juetten commented that would create the situation that if
someone goes through the expense of starting a hive and the process to obtain a permit, that
could be in jeopardy because someone purchased a home within 200 feet that does not like that
hobby.
Commissioner Markell commented that would be a risk to the beekeeper as their hobby is
inferior to the health and welfare of others.
Commissioner Oakley commented that he would support the three-year permit period as
proposed.
Commissioner Pointner stated that she would support three years.
Chair Anderson commented that he would also support a three-year permit.
Commissioner Markell asked if a permit could be revoked during the three-year period if
someone purchases a home within 200 feet that has a documented allergy.
Community Development Director Juetten commented that a person would receive the permit for
three years and if operating under the regulations, staff would not review new information until
the next review is done at the next renewal.
Commissioner Saba asked if language could be included that would allow revocation in the
scenario that an allergy is identified.
Commissioner Markell commented that there could be legal issues with enforcement and would
simply prefer to have a one-year permit period.
Commissioner Saba noted that he could then support a one-year period if it is not revocable with
evidence shown for allergy.
Commissioner Oakley commented that he does not think this issue is as widespread as it is made
out to be by some people. He commented that if someone purchases a home, they have the
responsibility to find out what is going on around them and if there is signage posted around the
hive, that would be the required warning. He stated that if someone does not want to live next to
a beehive, they should not purchase that home. He stated that part of the reason to support the
three-year permit is partially to decrease the load on city staff and to support the hobbyist that
obtained the permit because of the investment they put into starting the hobby and obtaining the
permit.
Commissioner Markell commented that this is venturing into new territory and if someone wants
it, they should be willing to regularly prove they meet the requirements.
Chair Anderson asked for input from staff.
Community Development Director Juetten stated that staff will do whatever the ordinance states.
He stated that if 150 permits are requested that would create a staffing problem as the permits
1720
11
Proposed Minutes January 20, 2021
would come in at the same time each year, therefore it would depend how many permits are
required.
Commissioner Pointner asked if the group would compromise at two years.
Commissioner Markell confirmed that he could support two years but would not support three
years.
Chair Anderson confirmed the consensus of the Commission to support a two-year permit length.
Commissioner Oakley referenced subdivision one, which allows up to two beehives. He
commented that it has been said that only 50 percent of bees survive a winter and that they
typically divide, therefore it does not seem that would be appropriate. He stated that in some
years both hives may die, but in others both may survive and would need to be split. He asked if
three hives would be a better number.
Mr. Reuter stated that the numbers could be larger depending on the lot size. He commented that
two could be okay but three would be reasonable for backyard bees. He provided additional
details on the things that impact whether bees live through the winter.
Commissioner Boo stated that he finds that two hives would be sufficient as a hobby.
Motion was made by Commissioner Boo and seconded by Commissioner Oakley to recommend
to the City Council approval of the resolution and findings of fact approving the Zoning
Ordinance Text Amendment (ZOTA) to allow bees in single-family zoning districts (2019060)
with changes to the draft ordinance eliminating the last sentence of flyover barriers, eliminating
the 50 setback from adjacent property homes, eliminating the need for a flyover barrier and the
change for permit length from three years to two years. With six votes in favor and one vote
against, the motion carried. Commissioner Saba voted against.
1821
From: Denise Whalen on behalf of Webmail - Planning
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 6:54 AM
To: Lori Sommers; Kip Berglund
Subject: FW: Bees and Chickens Proposed Ordinance
Denise Whalen | Support Services Manager
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Phone: 763-509-5408 - Fax: 763-509-5407
www.plymouthmn.gov
dwhalen@plymouthmn.gov
Plymouth, Minnesota | Adding Quality to Life
From: SvetaGmail [mailto:s.denekamp@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 5:13 PM
To: Webmail - Planning <Planning@plymouthmn.gov>
Subject: Bees and Chickens Proposed Ordinance
I would like to oppose the city ordinance re chickens. The smell of their droppings in the hot summer months is extremely unpleasant/pervasive, and the feed attracts unwanted rodents. Therefore, I would vote against allowing chickens in Plymouth.I am in favor of the bee ordinan
I would like to oppose the city ordinance re chickens. The smell of their droppings in the hot
summer months is extremely unpleasant/pervasive, and the feed attracts unwanted rodents.
Therefore, I would vote against allowing chickens in Plymouth.
I am in favor of the bee ordinance.
Thank you,
Svetlana Denekamp
1735 Forestview Lane N
Plymouth, MN 55441
1922
1
Kip Berglund
From:Daniel L. Mack <midwestguttermn@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday, January 13, 2021 3:42 PM
To:Council Members
Cc:Lori Sommers; Kip Berglund; Steve Juetten
Subject:Chickens and Honeybees
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Good Afternoon Mayor Wosje and City Council Members,
Thank you for allowing the public to listen to the City Counsel Meeting last evening via ZOOM.
I am a Plymouth resident and long time beekeeper. I am in favor of allowing honeybees in our city. What a great way to
come together and get involved with nature with our families, especially now that we are spending more time at home and
in our yards during this pandemic. Honey bees are necessary part of our eco system and for pollinating our gardens and
fruit trees. I appreciate the time and research that Kip Berglund put in to his presentation to the City Counsel, but I feel he
was not well informed about the issues that he spoke about. I applaud the suggestion by Counsel Members Roehl and
Carrol that suggested getting more information about honeybees before making a decision on whether or not to allow
honeybees in our community. Counsel Member Roehl suggested they invite the 'bee experts' from the University of
Minnesota to speak at the next meeting to provide answers, and to educate the counsel and residents of our great city about
beekeeping. Fantastic idea! Many municipalities, including Minneapolis allow beekeeping. Please continue to look at this
topic with an open mind. We all depend on honeybees for pollination and honey production.
Sincerely,
Dan Mack
763-464-6544
2023
From: Sandy Engdahl
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 2:23 PM
To: Lori Sommers; Kip Berglund
Subject: FW: no chickens, no bees!
Not sure if you received this, but correspondence for the bee and chicken staff reports for upcoming
Council meeting.
Sandy Engdahl | City Clerk, MMC
City of Plymouth
Phone: 763.509.5080 - Fax: 763.509.5060
3400 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55447
www.plymouthmn.gov
Plymouth, Minnesota | Adding Quality to Life
From: David Musliner <musliner@sift.net>
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2021 11:18:26 AM
To: Jeffry Wosje; Nick Roehl; Ned Carroll; Jim Willis
Subject: RE: no chickens, no bees!
> Hi all,
> Just thought I'd lend my voice *against* the idea of allowing chickens and bees to be raised in
Plymouth suburban areas.
I saw that allowing chickens and bees made it onto the agenda... in case I can't show up to the zoom,
here are some more compelling and authoritative answers on why they both would be a Bad Idea.
To summarize:
- beyond the stench, unregulated poultry poses a very serious disease risk to humans, both novel viruses
like COVID and more common, but also deadly, salmonella, and also risk to commercial poultry on a
national scale. No kidding, it has happened. See below. It is also much worse from a green/carbon
perspective than farmed chicken/eggs, organic or not.
- (sub)urban honeybees are dangerous in our lot-sizes, bad for the wild honeybee population, and a
huge liability risk for the city (and owners).
Just say no.
Thanks
--Dave
Details:
Here are a few more health and economic arguments against suburban chickens, beyond just the
obnoxious smell and noise:
https://theconversation.com/a-chicken-in-every-backyard-urban-poultry-needs-more-regulation-to-
protect-human-and-animal-health-93113
"
2124
As one example, an outbreak of highly infectious H5N1 avian influenza in Egypt resulted in 183
confirmed cases and 56 deaths between 2014 and 2016. The majority of clinically confirmed cases
were linked to close contact with diseased backyard birds.
In the United States, contact with backyard poultry is associated with hundreds of multistate
salmonella outbreaks every year. A 2016 USDA survey of backyard poultry owners found that 25
percent of respondents did not wash their hands after handling birds or eggs. In another study, the
majority of backyard owners knew little about identifying or preventing poultry diseases.
Commercial poultry facilities protect birds against a variety of diseases by injecting vaccines into growing
chicks while they are still in the egg. Many backyard growers do not know to request vaccinated birds
when they purchase chicks or eggs. In 2002 an outbreak of exotic Newcastle disease in California
originated in backyard flocks and spread into commercial poultry operations. Operators had to
euthanize more than 3 million birds. They received compensation from USDA for doing so, which cost
taxpayers US$161 million. USDA also had to restrict poultry exports, which caused economic losses for
commercial poultry producers.
Many animal control and welfare agencies around the country oppose allowing urban livestock...
"
Bees are equally problematic for suburbia-- it takes detailed physical planning and constant
maintenance to ensure that they come and go at an altitude that will not interfere with neighbors (tall
downtown buildings are different), and even a single bad encounter (as little as a single sting on an
allergic victim) could lead to lawsuits against both the beekeeper and the city for allowing the
practice. So while chickens in the city could breed a pandemic, a single bee with a single sting could
bankrupt the city. Anybody wanna say pandemic isn't possible??
British recommendations for bees are 400m (1200') from urbanizations. https://beehour.com/is-
beekeeping-dangerous-10-safety-for-new-beekeepers/
Typical US recoms are more around 200', but even that is rarely available in Plymouth. We don’t want
to be trying to enforce that.
Domesticated bees are also harming genetically-diverse wild bee populations :
https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/what-on-earth-bees-urban-wild-1.5676777
https://globalnews.ca/news/5367592/entomologists-fear-urban-beekeeping-could-be-putting-wild-
bees-at-risk/
Obviously, the answer is no to both, in Plymouth!
Proponents could instead look to minimize their suburban environmental impact : eliminate lawn
fertilizer and weed killer, reduce mowing, leaf-blowing (esp!) and snow-blowing, grow pollinator-
attracting flowers, etc. Regarding eggs: they can buy organic and have it delivered, minimizing both
covid exposure, disease risk, and the miles driven by cold-start cars.
Proponents are misunderstanding the relationship between organic, local, and environmentally-positive
--- trying to do high-input farming in suburbia is a Bad Idea. Having an Instacart deliver you chicken-
feed is a terrible idea…and driving to get it is worse.
2225
--Dave
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Musliner <musliner@sift.net>
> Sent: Sunday, August 2, 2020 3:40 AM
> To: 'jwosje@plymouthmn.gov' <jwosje@plymouthmn.gov>;
> 'nroehl@plymouthmn.gov' <nroehl@plymouthmn.gov>;
> 'ncarroll@plymouthmn.gov' <ncarroll@plymouthmn.gov>;
> 'jwillis@plymouthmn.gov' <jwillis@plymouthmn.gov>
> Subject: no chickens, no bees!
>
> Hi all,
> Just thought I'd lend my voice *against* the idea of allowing chickens and bees
> to be raised in Plymouth suburban areas.
>
> I have experienced suburban chickens at a friend's house in Minneapolis, and
> the stench is unreal. I'm sure their neighbors wish they had refused to allow it.
> And it's not just the neighbors affected-- you cannot walk within several blocks
> without smelling it, and it is horrible.
> Sure, advocates might say "it doesn't smell too bad if you keep the coop
> clean", but that's like saying "the kids will clean the cat litter". What do you do
> if they don't?? Call the police? No, they have better things to do.
>
> Bees are simply too dangerous in our modest sized lots. Most
> recommendations I've seen say you should have at least 200 feet between a
> hive and any residential building, preferably much more... most of Plymouth is
> too densely populated, and it's better to have a simple ban than complicated
> regulations people will bend and violate.
>
> Leave those ordinances as they are please.
>
> -- Dave
>
2326
HONEYBEE OPERATIONS IN SELECTED CITIES
CITY ALLOWED PERMIT REQ.ZONING DISTRICTS
ALLOWED NOTICE REQUIRED TRAINING REQUIRED
Blaine No
Chanhassen Yes Yes
(1)Lots one-third acre or
larger but smaller than one acre:
Two colonies.
(2)Lots one acre or larger
but smaller than 2 ½ acres: four
colonies
(3)Lots 2 ½ acres or larger
but smaller than ten acres: Eight
colonies
(4)Lots larger than ten
acres: No limit
No Restrictions Yes
Adjoining Neighbors
Yes
Through University of
Minnesota of similar reputable
organization
Coon Rapids No
Crystal No
Maple Grove Yes No Code Allowed in R-A
(Residential-Ag)
Prohibited in R-1, R-2,
R-3, R-4 and R-5
No Code No Code
Minneapolis Yes Yes
Permit issued by Minneapolis
Animal Care and Control
(MACC)
a.One-half (1/2) acre or
smaller lot: Two (2)
colonies;
No Restrictions Yes
Adjoining Neighbors
Yes
Through University of
Minnesota Century college or
Three Rivers
2427
HONEYBEE OPERATIONS IN SELECTED CITIES
b.Larger than one-half
(1/2) acre but smaller
than three-quarter (3/4)
acre lot: Four (4)
colonies;
c.Larger than three-
quarter (3/4) acre lot but
smaller than one (1)
acre lot: Six (6)
colonies;
d.One (1) acre but smaller
than five (5) acres:
Eight (8) colonies; and
e.Larger than five (5)
acres: As determined as
appropriate by MACC.
Minnetonka No
New Hope Yes Yes
Hives may not be located within
500 feet of any property.
No Restrictions Yes
Properties within 350 feet by
mail
No
St. Louis Pk.No
St. Paul Yes Yes
No more than 2 colonies for
every 2000 sq. ft. of property
area.
No more than 4 colonies on any
property.
Not in front yard. No closer than
25 feet to an occupied building
or another lot.
Fencing required except yard not
bordering a public ROW may
request an exemption.
No Restrictions Sign Posted Yes
Through MN Hobby
Beekeepers Association
2528
Co Rd No 6
Interstate Hwy No 494
Co Rd No 101
Interstate Hwy No. 494
Co Rd No 24
Co Rd No 10
1
Interstate
Hwy
No
494CoRdNo6
Co Rd No 47
Bass Lake Rd
Bass Lake Rd
StateHwyNo55
State H
wy No 55
State Hwy No 55
State Hwy No 169
Sta
t
e
H
w
y N
o
16
9
State Highway No 55
State Hwy No 169
Sta
t
e
H
w
y N
o
16
9
R o c kford R d
Rockford Rd
State Hwy No 169
CoRd47 C o R d N o 4 7
BassLakeRd
Co Rd No 101
Co Rd No 24
C o R d N o 6
Co Rd No 6
Co Rd
No
1
01 State Hwy No 55Co Rd No 15
Vicksburg Ln
K
Homeowners Association Map
Legend
City Limits
Open Space
HOA
Unsure
Yes
No
2629
City of MedicineLake
Zoning Map
Legend
RSF-1, Single Family Detached 1 - 2 995 Lots
RSF-2, Single Family Detached 2 - 9 24 Lots
RSF-3, Single Family Detached 3 - 3 41 Lots
RSF-4, Single and Two Family - 42 Lots
PUD, Planned Unit Develo pment - 142 Lots
0 0.5 1 1.5 20.25 Miles
THIS REPRESENTS A COMPILATION OF INFORMATION AND DATAFROM CITY, COUNTY, STATE AND O THER SOURCES THAT H ASNOT BEEN FIELD VERIFIED. INFORMATION SHOULD BE FIELDVERIFIED AND COMPARED WITH ORINGIAL SOURCE DOCUMENTS.N:\PROJECTS\PLANNING\Zon ing Map
January 2021
*Total 4 ,444 lots greater than 1/2 acre.23.7% of SF lots are greate r tha n 1/2 acre.
2730
City County Ordinanc
e Citation
Ordinance Language Contact
Information
Date
Andover Anoka Title 5,
Chapter
1, Section
(d)
Must be zoned R1, R2, or R3 and have at least two acres. (763) 755-
5100
8-1-13
Anoka Anoka Section
10-2
Bees are not mentioned in the city code, but the city planner
said she would consider honey bees to be "non-domesticated"
animal. The code prohibits non-domesticated or farm animals
within City limits.
(763) 576-
2700
8-1-13
Apple
Valley
Dakota Currently, no ordinance on bees. However, code prohibits non-
domestic animals, and City interprets bees as non-domestic.
City is revising the ordinance to expressly prohibit bees.
(952) 953-
2500
8-1-13
Arden Hills Ramsey Chapter
13, 25.07
Bees are considered farm animals and are allowed within city
limits as long as the lot meets the set back requirements
(which depend upon how the hive is constructed).
(651) 792-
7800
8-1-13
Bayport Washington Section
14
Honey bees are not allowed within City limits. (651) 275-
4404
8-1-13
2831
Blaine Anoka Section
14-225
Areas zoned residential may not have honey bees. Areas
zoned agricultural may have honey bees.
(763) 785-
6122
8-1-13
Bloomingto
n
Hennepin City
Code
12.116.01
Bees allowed with restrictions. 6-11-19
Blue Earth Faribault Sub-
Section
360.16
Bees allowed with restrictions and permit
12-30-20
Brooklyn
Center
Hennepin Section 1-
140
Bees are allowed with restrictions and registration (763) 569-
3300
6-11-19
Brooklyn
Park
Hennepin Section
92.50
Honey bees are permitted in lots over 5 acres. Other require
registration.
(763) 424-
8000
11-24-15
Burnsville Dakota Section 6-
2-20
Honey bees are prohibited in all parts of Burnsville. (952) 895-
4400
2-8-17
Carver Carver Section
1005.02
Codicil 1 allows animals not listed under Section 1005.02 in
city limits as long as they are not a nuisance. Therefore, honey
bees are allowed as long as they are not a nuisance.
(952) 448-
5353
8-1-13
Centerville Anoka Chapter
90.02(B)
"Licensing Honey Bees. Notwithstanding other provisions of
this chapter, a person may keep honey bee colonies on any
premises after first obtaining a license as provided in this
subsection. No license shall be issued except in compliance of
this section. (1) Lot size shall be a minimum of one-half acre;
(2) No more than two honey bee colonies shall be allowed; (3)
Hives shall be setback from property lines a minimum of 25
feet; (4) Applicant must document at least 16 hours of training
in beekeeping, and (5) the colony shall be maintained in good
order and not be a nuisance to any member of the public."
(651) 429-
3232
8-1-13
Champlin Hennepin Honey bees are not mentioned within Champlin's ordinances.
The City would allow honey bees as long as they were not a
nuisance and the neighbors were on board.
(763) 421-
8100
8-1-13
Chanhasse
n
Hennepin
and Carver
Chapter
5, article
IV
Bees allowed by permit. (952) 227-
1100
11-8-18
2932
Chaska Carver Chapter
5, Section
82
The Chaska Police Department is in charge of code
enforcement. Police officer told me they would allow a honey
bee hive as long as it didn't bother the neighbors.
(952) 448-
9200
8-1-13
Circle
Pines
Anoka Section
320.02(B)
"Licensing Honey Bees. Notwithstanding other provisions of
this chapter, a person may keep honey bee colonies on any
premises after first obtaining a license as provided in this
subsection. No license shall be issued except in compliance of
this section. (1) Lot size shall be a minimum of one-half acre;
(2) No more than two honey bee colonies shall be allowed; (3)
Hives shall be setback from property lines a minimum of 25
feet; (4) Applicant must document at least 16 hours of training
in beekeeping, and (5) the colony shall be maintained in good
order and not be a nuisance to any member of the public."
(763) 784-
5898
8-1-13
Coon
Rapids
Anoka 6-502(2),
(5)
"Non-domestic animals are defined as … bees. It shall be
unlawful to keep, maintain, harbor, or feed any non-domestic
animal within the City except where permitted elsewhere in this
Chapter."
8-1-13
Corcoran Hennepin Section 1020.020: bees are agricultural use. Allowed in areas
zoned for agricultural use. Other areas with restrictions.
(763) 420-
2288
3-6-19
Cottage
Grove
Washington Section
11-3-7
Bees are considered a farm animal and are allowed on
properties of 5 or more acres. Section defining "farm animal" is
11-1-3.
(651) 458-
2800
8-1-13
Crystal Hennepin City ordinances do not cover bees. Therefore, bees are
allowed.
(763) 531-
1000
8-1-13
Dayton Wright and
Hennepin
Section
1001.42
subd.8(1)(
e)
Honey bees are prohibited in areas zoned residential - Old
Village, residential - mobile home, industrial and business,
unless you have a conditional use permit.
(763) 427-
4589
8-1-13
Duluth St. Louis 1959-6-80 Ok in areas zoned rural;. Others require license.
11-23-15
Eagan Dakota Section
10.12
Honey bees may be kept on properties in areas that are zoned
agricultural and have a minimum of five acres. Or by permit.
3-6-15
Edina Hennepin Section
300.11
Bees are allowed with permit. 10-1-15
3033
Elko New
Market
Scott Section 6-
4-5
Section 6-4-2 Honeybees are considered a farm animal.
Section 6-4-5 states, "Farm animals shall be kept only in areas
approved under the city zoning ordinance."
8-1-13
Excelsior Hennepin Section 6-
4
Ordinance defines "undomesticated animal" as "any animal,
mammal, amphibian, or reptile, which is of a species which is
wild by nature or of a species which due to size, vicious nature,
or other characteristics is inherently dangerous to human
beings." "Any person may own, keep, harbor, or maintain any
nondomesticated animal, provided that it weighs less than 50
pounds."
8-1-13
Falcon
Heights
Ramsey Section
113-3
Honey bees are defined as a farm animal. Farm animals are
not allowed to be harbored within the city. The Falcon Heights
City Council looked into a honey bee ordinance last year but
ultimately did not pass it.
(651) 792-
7600
8-1-13
Faribault Rice 2017-4 Bees allowed by permit
5-30-18
Farmington Dakota 6-4-2 Allowed with
restrictions http://sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?bo
ok_id=463&chapter_id=2...
7-23-18
Forest
Lake
Anoka Chapter
99
Bees are defined as a farm animal. City code allows farm
animals in areas zoned for agricultural use and if the property
is five acres or more.
(651) 464-
3550
8-1-13
Fridley Anoka Section
101.05
Allowed by license. application at FridleyMN.gov. Class on
beekeeping required.
(763) 571-
3450
5-11-18
Golden
Valley
Hennepin Section
10.32
Honey bees are defined as a farm animal. Farm animals are
not allowed to be harbored within the city.
8-1-13
Grand
Meadow
Mower Section
91.2
Bees allowed with some restrictions
2-11-20
Hastings Dakota and
Washington
Chapter
91.01
Bees are not mentioned in the city code, so they are permitted.
City planner warned that if the bees stung people or upset the
neighbors, they could be removed through the public nuisance
ordinance (Section 95.20).
(651) 480-
2350
8-1-13
Hibbing St. Louis Section
10.23
Honey bees are defined as a farm animal. Farm animals are
not allowed to be harbored within the city.
2-8-17
3134
Hopkins Hennepin Hopkins Code of Ordinances does not address honey bees, so
they interpret that to mean they are not permitted.
952-548-6303 2-8-17
Hugo Washington Although not expressly listed in the ordinance, honey bees are
considered "farm animals," so they are allowed in areas zoned
agricultural and on lots of five or more acres.
(651) 762-
6300
8-1-13
Independe
nce
Hennepin 510.05
subd. 46
Defines bees as "livestock." Bees are allowed in areas which
are zoned agricultural.
(763) 479-
0527
8-1-13
Inver
Grove
Heights
Dakota Section
10-2-2
Bees are allowed in areas zoned agricultural or estate. (651) 450-
2500
8-1-13
Jordan Scott No ordinance, so bees are not allowed. Perhaps could apply
for a conditional use permit stating beekeeping as a home
occupation.
(952) 492-
2535
8-1-13
Lake Elmo Washington Title 9,
Chapter
95.71
Honey bees are allowed on property five acres or more. Permit
required for under 5 acres.
(651) 747-
3900
10-1-15
Lake St.
Croix
Beach
Washington No online
ordinance
s
No one from the City returned my messages. (651) 436-
7031
8-1-13
Lakeville Dakota Chpt
35/11-35-
3
Allowed with an interim Use Permit. Application fee is $500
(ouch!) and must be presented to and approved by the
Planning Commission. The City of Lakeville contact is Daryl
Morey, Planning Director, 952-985-4422.
6-11-19
Lauderdale Ramsey Section 5-
3-1
Bees are defined as a farm animal. City ordinance 5-3-4-1
requires a permit to have a farm animal.
(651) 792-
7650
8-1-13
Lilydale Dakota Section
801.01
It's unclear if bees are allowed or not in the ordinances, and no
one at the City returned my phone messages.
(651) 457-
2316
8-1-13
Lino Lakes Anoka Zoning Restricted to agricultural zoned land
11-23-15
Long Lake Hennepin Honey bees are not mentioned in the Code. City of Long
Lake's general position is if it is not expressly allowed, it is
prohibited.
(952) 473-
6961
8-1-13
Lonsdale Rice S90.01 Beekeeping allowed by permit. (507) 744-
2327
1-2-18
3235
Mahtomedi Washington Chapter
3.02
"No person may keep within the City any of the following: any
hive or other facility for the housing of bees."
(651) 426-
3344
8-1-13
Maple
Plain
Hennepin Honey bees are not mentioned in the Code. City of Maple
Plain's general position is that they are allowed, but are subject
to the nuisance ordinance.
(763) 479-
0515
8-1-13
Maplewoo
d
Ramsey Ordinanc
e 978
Allowed with setback requirements. Bees are allowed unless
they become a nuisance.
(651) 249-
2000
11-13-18
Marine on
St. Croix
Washington Chapter 5 City of Marine on St. Croix does not have an ordinance about
honey bees. The City's position is that they are allowed unless
they are a nuisance.
(651) 433-
3636
8-1-13
Medicine
Lake
Hennepin Section
200.2(7)(b
)
Bees are classified as farm animals. Must get a conditional use
permit to have bees.
(763)
542.9701
8-1-13
Mendota
Heights
Dakota Ordinance
448, not
yet
codified
Brand new ordinance: Bee keeping is allowed on properties of
fifty (50) acres or more.
(651) 255-
1153
8-1-13
Minneapoli
s
Hennepin Section
74.80
Must get a permit from Minneapolis Animal Care and Control. 8-1-13
Minnetonk
a
Hennepin No ordinance on bees, so bees are allowed unless they are a
nuisance.
(952) 939-
8200
8-1-13
Village of
Minnetonk
a Beach
Hennepin Section
508(C)(28
)(b)
"No person shall keep or allow to be kept any hive or other
facility for the housing of honeybees."
(952) 471-
8878
8-1-13
Minnetrista Hennepin Section
1110.09
Bees are considered farm animals. "Farm animals may only be
kept in A or AP zoning districts, or in a residential lot of at least
ten acres in size provided that farm animals on said residential
lots are not sheltered within 300 feet of an adjoinin piece of
property."
(952) 446-
1660
8-1-13
Moundsvie
w
Ramsey Title 700
Chapt 701
Bees allowed by permit.
9-25-15
New
Brighton
Ramsey Honey bees requrie permit (651) 638-
2100
6-1-15
3336
Newport Washington Section
600.21
Honey bees are considered a farm animal. Must have a permit
from the City Council. Lot size must be at least four acres.
Must provide written notification to occupied property owners
situated within 250 feet from the hive. Additional standards of
practice listed in Section 600.21 subd. 3(F)(4).
(651) 459-
5677
8-1-13
North St.
Paul
Ramsey Section
95.23
Honey bees are classified as a farm animal. No farm animals
are allowed within city limits.
8-1-13
Oak Park
Heights
Washington Section
602.02(B)
Honey bees are classified as a farm animal. Farm animals are
only permitted in areas zoned O - Open Space Conservation
District and also need a conditional use permit.
(651) 439-
4439
8-1-13
Oakdale Washington Section 4-
18
"No person shall keep or allow to be kept any man-made or
manufactured hive or other facility for the housing of bees
within the city without a permit."
(651) 739-
5086
8-1-13
Orono Hennepin Section
62-1
Honey bees are classified as a farm animal and are allowed in
areas zoned for agriculture.
(952) 249-
4600
8-1-13
Osseo Hennepin Chapter
93.18(z)
City code states that any caring for any non-domestic animal is
a public nuisance, so beekeeping currently is not allowed.
However, City Attorney said the City might be open to a
resident asking for a variance or trying to change the
ordinance.
(763) 425-
2624
8-1-13
Plymouth Hennepin Zoning
Ordinance
21170.01
subd.3
Bees are only allowed in areas zoned future restricted
development (rural).
(763) 509-
5080
8-1-13
Prior Lake Scott Allowed with restrictions (952) 447-
9800
3-6-19
Richfield Hennepin Section
906
Bees are allowed with restrictions and permit. (612) 861-
9702
11-13-20
Robbinsdal
e
Hennepin Section
915.357
"It is unlawful to keep or maintain roosters or bees, without first
having obtained a permit therefor."
(763) 537-
4534
8-1-13
Rogers Hennepin Section
125-1
Bees are classified as a farm animal and are allowed in areas
zoned agricultural.
(763) 428-
2253
8-1-13
Rosemoun
t
Dakota No ordinance on honey bees, so they are allowed. (651) 322-
2022
8-1-13
3437
Roseville Ramsey No ordinance on honey bees, so they are allowed. The City
reserves the right to regulate location and fencing in the future.
(651) 792-
7000
8-1-13
Sauk
Rapids
Benton Section
4.10,
Subd.22(
C)
Permits beekeeping limited to six hives. (320) 258-
5300
St.
Anthony
Village
Hennepin No ordinance on honey bees, so City of St. Anthony Village's
position is that they are not allowed.
(612) 782-
3301
8-1-13
St. Francis Anoka Section 8-
3-5
"Bees shall not be kept on parcels smaller than five (5) acres in
size. No parcel shall have more than one hive or colony
housing structure not to exceed three (3) feet in size in any
dimension unless it is an agricultural use. All hives shall be of
the removable frame type. All hives shall be kept one hundred
(100) feed from any property line."
(763) 753-
2630
8-1-13
St. Louis
Park
Hennepin Bees are not addressed in city ordinance, so they are allowed
as long as they are not a nuisance.
(952) 924-
2500
8-1-13
St. Paul Ramsey Chapter
198.02(d)
"No person shall keep or allow to be kept any hive or other
facility for the housing of bees within the city without a permit."
(651) 266-
8989
8-1-13
St. Paul
Park
Washington Ordinance
#694
Honey bees are allowed; must get a permit and obey set back
ordinance.
(651) 459-
9785
8-1-13
Savage Scott Section
91.01(2)
Bees are classified as a farm animal. Under Section 91.04,
farm animals are "allowed only as a legal non-conforming use
where a similar use occurred before the most recent change in
the Zoning Code and continues consistently thereafter."
(952) 882-
2660
8-1-13
Shakopee Scott Section
11.02(5)(
B)
Bees are classified as an "agricultural use" and allowed in
areas zoned rural residential or agricultural. Other areas with
restrictions.
(952) 233-
9300
8-1-13
Shoreview Ramsey Section
601.020(E
)
Bees are allowed with restrictions and permit required (651) 490-
4600
12-4-17
Shorewood Hennepin Section
705.09
Bees are classified as an "urban farm animal." Section 705.09
subd 2(h) states, "The number of bee hives shall not exceed
four."
(952) 960-
7900
8-1-13
3538
South St.
Paul
Dakota Section
15-1(3)
Bees are listed as a farm animal. Section 15-3 states, "It shall
be illegal for any person to own, possess, harbor, or offer for
sale, any farm animals within city limits…"
(651) 554-
3200
8-1-13
Spring
Park
Hennepin Bees are not allowed in city limits. (952) 471-
9051
8-1-13
Stillwater Washington Section
27-3
Bees are allowed in city limits as long as you have a permit.
The ordinance sets forth a number of rules and regulations.
(651) 430-
8800
8-1-13
Sunfish
Lake
Dakota Section
1225.01
Bees are considered farm animals. Only the farm animals
expressly listed (such as bees) are allowed in the City of
Sunfish Lake as long as you get a permit.
(763) 231-
2555
8-1-13
Victoria Carver Chapter
30, Article
VIII,
Section
30-
313(13)
Bees are only allowed in areas zoned agricultural and if you
get a conditional use permit.
(952) 443-
4210
8-1-13
Virginia St. Louis
Honey bees are defined as a farm animal. Farm animals are
not allowed to be harbored within the city.
2-8-17
Waconia Carver Section
710.15
subd. 1
Bees are considered farm animals, so they are allowed in
areas zoned agricultural.
(952) 442-
2184
8-1-13
Wayzata Hennepin No ordinance, so bees are allowed unless they are a nuisance. (952) 404-
5300
8-1-13
West St.
Paul
Dakota Section
905.15
subd. 3
Bees are allowed. The only requirement is that the hives are at
least 100 feet from neighboring houses. Some lots are too
small to comply with this requirement.
(651) 552-
4100
8-1-13
White Bear
Lake
Ramsey
and
Washington
Section
702.045
Bee keeping is allowed in City limits as long as you have a
license.
(651) 429-
8526
8-1-13
Woodbury Washington Section
24-4
Bees are considered "livestock" and they are allowed on
property of five or more acres in areas zoned rural residential
or existing farmstead.
(651) 714-
3500
8-1-13
3639
3740
3841
3942
4043
4144
4245
4346
4447
4548
4649
4750
4851
4952
5053
5154
5255
5356
5457
5558
5659
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 10 AND 21 OF THE PLYMOUTH CITY CODE,
ENTITLED THE PLYMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE, REGARDING THE KEEPING OF BEES
(2019060)
THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Amendment. Section 1010.01 of the Plymouth City Code (LICENSE FEES –
Miscellaneous) is amended by adding as follows:
Subd. 7. Miscellaneous
Q. Bees $100 biennual license fee
SECTION 2.Amendment.Section 21005.02 of the Plymouth City Code (RULES AND
DEFINITIONS – DEFINITIONS) is amended by adding, deleting, or changing definitions as follows:
Animals:
(a)Domestic Animals.For purposes of this Chapter, a domestic animal shall be
defined as house pets such as dogs, cats, and birds (except those defined as
farm animals or wild animals) that can be contained within a principal structure
throughout the entire year, provided that containment can be accomplished
without special modification to the structure requiring a building permit from
the City. In addition, it includes bees and rabbits, normally sheltered outside
the home.
(b)Farm Animals.Cattle, hogs, potbelly pigs, bees, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys,
horses (including miniatures) and other animals commonly accepted as farm
animals in the State of Minnesota.
Bees Related:
(a)Apiary: the assembly of one or more colonies of bees at a single location.
(b)Beehive: a receptacle inhabited by a colony that is manufactured for the purpose
of housing bees, which is designed so that the beekeeper can collect the honey
that they produce.
(c)Beekeeper: A person who owns or has charge of one or more colonies of bees.
(d)Colony: An aggregate of bees consisting principally of workers, but typically
having one queen and at times drones, brood, combs and honey.
(e)Flyover/Flyway Barrier: barrier that directs bees’ flight upward to prevent bees
from flying at a height where they could intersect with a person or animal in a
5760
neighboring property. The barrier could be a solid wall, fence, dense vegetation,
or any combination thereof that provides an obstruction through which honey
bees cannot readily fly.
(f)Water Supply: Natural pond or stream or artificial container holding sufficient
water with landing sites for honey bees to forage without drowning.
SECTION 2.Amendment. Section 21170.01 of the Plymouth City Code (ANIMALS – Keeping
Animals) is added as follows:
Subd. 1.Domestic animals, except bees, are allowed in all zoning
districts, as regulated by Chapter 9 of the City Code.
SECTION 3.Amendment. Section 21170.03of the Plymouth City Code (Animals –Keeping of Bees)
is added as follows:
21170.03 Keeping of Bees:
Subd. 1.Limit To Number Of Hives Permitted: Except for properties located within the FRD
(future restricted development), a person may keep an apiary with up to two beehives in a
single-family zoning district (RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3 and single-family PUD’s) on a property provided
that:
(a) All bee keeping operations shall be registered with the City of Plymouth.
(b) No person other than those who reside on the premises shall conduct bee keeping
operations.
(c) Registration process consists of an application, the submittal of a site plan and building
plan with location and specifics of the hives and the setbacks from all property lines and
structures, including those on adjacent properties.
(d) Colonies shall be located in the side or rear yard only and shall have a setback of at least
25 feet from the side or rear property lines.
(e) A consistent water source shall be provided within 10 feet of each colony.
(f) The applicant shall post a clearly visible warning sign, readable a minimum of five feet
from the hive, that a bee hive is present on the property. The sign shall be at least four
square feet in area and up to eight square feet.
(g) The applicant shall provide evidence of completion of a beekeeping course from the
University of Minnesota or other comparable institution.
(h) The city, upon receiving the application for a bee keeping permit, will notify all property
owners within 200 feet of the subject property. The city will give the adjacent residents
two weeks (14 calendar days) to respond to the notice with any objection, and will be
specifically asked if bee allergies are present in any household. If bee allergies are
documented in an adjacent household (within 200 feet), the bee keeping permit will be
denied.
(i) The license for the keeping of bees shallbe renewed each two years with a renewal fee
charged. The notification process will be conducted for each renewal request.
(j) Any selling of honey from the home would require a separated home occupation license
process pursuant to section 21145 in addition to any requirements from the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture Dairy and Food Inspection Division regulations.
5861
SECTION 4.Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective upon its passage.
APPROVED by the City Council on this 9th day of February, 2021.
__________________________________
Jeffry Wosje, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Sandra R. Engdahl, City Clerk
5962
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
RESOLUTION 2021-
RESOLUTION APPROVING FINDINGS OF FACT FOR A ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT
AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 1010, 21005, AND 21170 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
TO AMEND AND ADD KEEPING OF BEES (2019060)
WHEREAS, the City of Plymouth initiated amendments to the definitions, and keeping of animals
sections of the zoning ordinance; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed the proposed text amendments at a duly
called public hearing and recommends approval of the text amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH,
MINNESOTA, that it should and does approve the zoning ordinance text amendments to add bee related
definitions and adopt new keeping of bees regulations and modify the city code, based upon the finding
that the proposed amendments would be consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and with the
purpose and intent of the city’s ordinances and policies.
ADOPTED by the City Council the 9th day of February, 2021.
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) SS.
The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Plymouth, Minnesota,
certifies that I compared the foregoing resolution adopted at a meeting of the Plymouth City Council on
February 9, 2021 with the original thereof on file in my office, and the same is a correct transcription
thereof.
WITNESS my hand officially as such City Clerk and the Corporate seal of the City this __________ day of
_________________, _____.
___________________________________
City Clerk
6063
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
RESOLUTION NO. 2021
RESOLUTION APPROVING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 2021-
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF THE PLYMOUTH CITY CODE,ENTITLED LICENSES
AND PERMITS; PROCEDURES AND FEES,AND CHAPTER 21 OF THE PLYMOUTH CITY
CODE,ENTITLED THE PLYMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE,REGARDING THE KEEPING OF
BEES (2019060)
Ordinance No. 2021- amends Chapter 10 of the Plymouth City Code, Entitled Licenses and
Permits; Procedures and Fees, and Chapter 21 entitled Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, regarding the
keeping of bees (2019060).
A printed copy of the entire ordinance is available for inspection at the City Clerk’s Office during
regular office hours.
APPROVED for summary publication by the City Council this 9th day of February, 2021.
6164
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 10 AND 21 OF THE PLYMOUTH CITY CODE,
ENTITLED THE PLYMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE, REGARDING THE KEEPING OF BEES
(20230XX)
THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Amendment. Section 1010.01 of the Plymouth City Code (LICENSE FEES –
Miscellaneous) is amended by adding as follows:
Subd. 7. Miscellaneous
Q. Bees $100 biennual (every 2 years) license fee
SECTION 2. Amendment. Section 21005.02 of the Plymouth City Code (RULES AND
DEFINITIONS – DEFINITIONS) is amended by adding, deleting, or changing definitions as follows:
Animals:
(a) Domestic Animals. For purposes of this Chapter, a domestic animal shall be
defined as house pets such as dogs, cats, and birds (except those defined as
farm animals or wild animals) that can be contained within a principal structure
throughout the entire year, provided that containment can be accomplished
without special modification to the structure requiring a building permit from
the City. In addition, it includes bees and rabbits, normally sheltered outside
the home.
(b) Farm Animals. Cattle, hogs, potbelly pigs, bees, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys,
horses (including miniatures) and other animals commonly accepted as farm
animals in the State of Minnesota.
Bees Related:
(a) Apiary: The assembly of one or more colonies of bees at a single location.
(b) Beehive: A receptacle inhabited by a colony that is manufactured for the purpose
of housing bees, which is designed so that the beekeeper can collect the honey
that they produce.
(c) Beekeeper: A person who owns or has charge of one or more colonies of bees.
(d) Colony: An aggregate of bees consisting principally of workers, but typically having
one queen and at times drones, brood, combs and honey.
(e) Flyover/Flyway Barrier: Barrier that directs bees’ flight upward to prevent bees
from flying at a height where they could intersect with a person or animal in a
65
neighboring property. The barrier could be a solid wall, fence, dense vegetation,
or any combination thereof that provides an obstruction through which honey
bees cannot readily fly.
(f) Water Supply: Natural pond/stream or artificial container holding sufficient water
with landing sites for honey bees to forage without drowning.
SECTION 2. Amendment. Section 21170.01 of the Plymouth City Code (ANIMALS – Keeping
Animals) is added as follows:
Subd. 1. Domestic animals, except bees, are allowed in all zoning
districts, as regulated by Chapter 9 of the City Code.
SECTION 3. Amendment. Section 21170.03 of the Plymouth City Code (Animals – Keeping of Bees)
is added as follows:
21170.03 Keeping of Bees:
Subd. 1. Limit To Number Of Hives Permitted: Except for properties located within the FRD
(future restricted development), a person may keep an apiary with up to two beehives in a
single-family zoning district (RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3 and single-family PUD’s) on a property provided
that:
(a) All bee keeping operations shall be registered with the City of Plymouth.
(b) No person other than those who reside on the premises shall conduct bee keeping
operations.
(c) Registration process consists of an application, the submittal of a site plan and building
plan with location and specifics of the hives and the setbacks from all property lines and
structures, including those on adjacent properties.
(d) Colonies shall be located in the side or rear yard only and shall have a setback of at least
25 feet from the side or rear property lines.
(e) A consistent water source shall be provided within 10 feet of each colony.
(f) The applicant shall post a clearly visible warning sign, readable a minimum of five feet
from the hive, that a bee hive is present on the property. The sign shall be at least four
square feet in area and up to eight square feet.
(g) The applicant shall provide evidence of completion of a beekeeping course from the
University of Minnesota or other comparable institution.
(h) The city, upon receiving the application for a bee keeping permit, will notify all property
owners within 200 feet of the subject property. The city will give the adjacent residents
two weeks (14 calendar days) to respond to the notice with any objection, and will be
specifically asked if bee allergies are present in any household. If bee allergies are
documented in an adjacent household (within 200 feet), the bee keeping permit will be
denied.
(i) The license for the keeping of bees shall be renewed each two years with a renewal fee
charged. The notification process will be conducted for each renewal request.
(j) Any selling of honey from the home would require a separated home occupation license
process pursuant to section 21145 in addition to any requirements from the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture Dairy and Food Inspection Division regulations.
Commented [CM1]: Another option is to process the same as a
minor variance and home occupation which is administrative
approval unless an objection. If objection, then it gets scheduled for
Planning Commission and City Council. Staff would prefer this
option for consistency across applications.
Commented [CM2]: If treated the same as a minor variance, you
would not need to renew.
66
SECTION 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective upon its passage.
APPROVED by the City Council on this ____________ day of ___________, 2023.
__________________________________
Jeffry Wosje, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Jodi Gallup, City Clerk
67
The City of Plymouth conducted this five question FlashVote to collect input on allowing backyard
chickens and/or bees in single-family zoning districts. At the time of the survey, chickens and bees were
regulated as farm animals and only allowed in areas zoned for future development, which make up a
small percentage of the city.
Q1 & Q3 have been removed since they were specific to chickens.
68
Other responses:
No need for license
Allergic to bee stings. A definite absolutely not.
No. One only, if that. My family raised bees. Hives don?t belong in the suburbs.
Put hives in lower density areas. Now that West Hwy 47 is being over-developed, I'm not
sure where.
Depends on the amount of acreage.
It would depend on the size of the property.
Yes, but no licensing needed
I support it but worry about those with serious allergies with more bees around
I'm not opposed but if we're trying to save native bees this is not the best solution.
Should be limited based on this from UMN: https://www.beelab.umn.edu/bees/helping-
bees
Only if safe (people have allergies, willing mowing make them angry, teenagers being
teenagers)
Yes but without licenses.
I would recommend they plant native pollinator habitat instead
I would support my neighbors having bees without training or licensing
fully support bees; do not support training or licensing requirements; creates excessive
burden
No licensing or training required. OK to get bees.
I don?t live in a single family home.
69
I think both should be allowed. Bees are more important to earth than humans are.
create a listing of neighbors who would be willing to sell fresh eggs and honey
I moved away from the country to get away from the smell and noise of barnyard animals. I
do no support the noise and sanitation issues related to bringing them into neighborhoods
with closely spaced houses.
Even though we probably wouldn't take advantage of this ourselves, I appreciate you
considering this! I think it's a great option.
Do not allow bees & chickens. Just no
Having more bees in the neighborhood is wonderful. Having an abundance of pollinators is so
important for gardens and the environment in and surrounding the area.
would be okay with city lands having bee hives
I would be fine with chickens and/or bees in my neighborhood. Glad to hear that roosters
would not be a part of it.
I think bees could be beneficial to the overall ecosystem. Having chickens? eh...not sure I see
the point there. But, at the same time, if that is what someone wants to do I don't see it
being up to me to tell them they can't. However, I'm not interested in having a rooster
bothering me. If I wanted farm sounds, I'd move to the country. so, I'd definitely limit that.
There are areas of Plymouth that have traditional large lots where such things might work;
but all recent housing developments with cookie cutter homes on tiny lots should not be
allowed to have such things.
The only deterrent is that chickens and roosters are loud. I have small children. I do not want
the noise nor the problem of bees near my children playing.
Encourages more home activities; great opportunity for children to learn
my neighbors can't even do their own lawn mowing, I don't want to see/hear/smell chickens
that they stop caring for when the novelty wears off
Although it isn't for me I would strongly support any of my neighbors who want chickens or
bees. They should be handled like any other pets--deal with the small minority of people
who don't comply with the rules but don't block the people who follow the rules.
allow it!
I would like the ordinances for both to have setbacks from property lines as well as structures
on other property.
Also, periodic renewals of licenses.
Live in a TH Association, this would not be allowed with our By-laws...
What are we waiting for? Other, larger and more urban, cities allow this with minimal issues.
Chickens are too noisy.
Keep any training and licensing requirements minimal
I get people's individual desires to have these animals/insects, however this is for rural spaces
not cities and suburbs.
I LOVE the ideas of bees, for the environment. I don't see the benefit of chickens and worry
about their cleanliness/smell; I would be apt to a neighbor having chickens if my kids could
visit them.
Like this opportunity for families to raise eggs and keep bees
Nice idea!
70
Four chickens is not enough to be considered a flock. Why is permit and education required
for chickens and bees when it is not required for dogs or cats?
This would be a nuisance to neighbors - do not support.
Backyard chickens and bees should NOT be allowed within Plymouth. I have seen this first
hand in other cities and it was a disaster. Chickens are meant to live in a farm environment
for a reason. If someone would like to have chickens or bees, they should move out to a
more rural area. The fact that the idea has been entertained this long, is scary. DO NOT
ALLOW THIS TO MOVE FORWARD.
I like that the City is considering these as we may need to sustain ourselves locally more
often.
The safety of the national food supply systems appear to have weakened over the past two
decades.
Great for the environment (bees are pollinators and chickens help reduce populations of bad
grubs) and great outdoor activities for kids that help teach them science and responsibility. As
a gardener and parent, I'm very enthusiastic!
I definitely think Plymouth should join our neighboring cities in permitting backyard chickens
and bees, particularly bees as our ecosystem depends on their survival.
How and who would regulate to make sure if this happens that people are following the laws
and rules. How would you make them get rid of either if they prove to be irresponsible and
abuse either the animals or regulations?
Do the chickens generate a smell? Would the chickens attract foxes and would dogs/cats
affected? That would be a neighborhood concern.
I think property lot size it should be taken into consideration. In our neighborhood the homes
are so close together I can?t imagine having chickens or bees within a few feet of my property
line. And especially given the number of people who are allergic to bee stings, that is
extremely concerning.
All for Bees, Totally against chickens.
Bees in higher density areas could pose an issue for neighbors with bee allergy problems.
Chickens would simply be a nuisance.
IF my neighbors were not following the ordinance I would expect the city to handle the issue,
and not be told that it's best if neighbor speak to neighbor.
The time for bees and chickens and livestock in Plymouth has passed. We are a heavily
populated suburban community. Neighbors have complaints about dogs. Imagine what it'll
be with chickens and bees and perhaps other farm animals in the future.
I would not want this in our neighborhood due to the close nature of our homes. I do think
these things should be allowed with enough spacing. Not within small lot neighborhoods.
Seems like you would need at least an acre of land or more to allow bees and a larger space
for chickens.
So much depends on the size of the lot. Not sure if my quarter acre lot would really allow to
have bees as my wife flowers. A lot will depend on how serious the City would would monitor
things with both.
While this has become more popularover the years, I think this belongs in a large acreage or
rural setting. We regulate the number of dogs/cats and other animals i residential zoning -
this would go too far and open up possible neighbor/neighbor complaints. I also imagine
HOAs would have to activate in this space and look at covenants.
This is long overdue
Do it
Thanks for asking for our opinion!
chickens where I live would attract more coyotes. I'm allergic to bees so no thanks there.
71
If there would be regular inspections and enforcement of rules we would be willing to allow
neighbors to have chickens and bees. I'm concerned about odors from keeping chickens. It
seems that neighbors often put things such as rabbit hutches close to the border of adjoining
properties. So enforcement of putting chicken coops and beehives within proper distance
from neighbors would be critical to acceptance of them. It should be mandatory for residents
who keep chickens and bees to have fencing around their property to keep neighborhood
dogs, cats away and other critters away.
I think allowing people to have chickens or bees is great! They are an extension of gardening
and being able to feed ones family.
While maybe not right for me, these can be healthy and sustainable home food options.
Protections would be key; perhaps a requirement for a fence to reduce attracting predators;
minimum set backs for hives from neighbor dwellings, etc. Bees are critical to our ecosystem.
My parents neighbors have chickens in Rochester. Live in residential and they are a nuisance
NOT SUPPORTIVE OF THIS
My neighbors let their dogs run free through my neighborhood despite the city ordinance
that all dogs must be leashed. I expect they would likewise not comply with the ordinances
on chickens.
I think the city should allow
Think the proposal is too restrictive
Too noisy for chickens
In this day and age if someone wants to be a tad more self reliant let?s go for it!
I would never want chickens near me. I hope my HOA would restrict this.
If we allow all kinds of animals, including very dangerous and biting dogs, then we should
allow caged chickens and honeybees.
Allowing this, both bees and chickens, would be an asset to the community
I am not opposed to chickens, but I worry about whathappens to them when people realize
it?s more work and mess than they are willing to handle.
Love these ideas. I support them fully.
I would only consider allowing farm type animas for homeowners that had sufficient acreage,
such as 2+ acres.
I live in a senior co-op so I have no option for bees and chickens. But I really like the idea of
Plymouth allowing interested parties to raise them. We raised both when I was growing up
and as an adult.
I have heard chickens in my daughter?s Mpls neighborhood, and while I would like to support
such an endeavor, I can?t stand the noise. Please don?t go there! But bees, that?s a different
story. I say go for that one!
It's time we address this.
Backyard chickens should not be allowed if the neighbors object. An objection from a
neighbor or someone who hears or smells the animal should be enough.
Allowing backyard chickens is a really bad idea. Home developments in Plymouth are not a
farm. The lots are not that large.
Bees in a neighborhood with children and pets (not to mention other humans) is NOT a good
idea.
We don't live in the country so no chickens please
If you open the door to chickens and bees, it would surely lead to some neighbor issues. Just
let it alone and it will be one less thing for neighbors to fight about.
Absolutely YES for bees!
72
Many other cities have allowed bees and chickens without problems. Good for residents,
good for environment and good for the city's reputation -- we can add this to the list of
reasons to live in Plymouth. Also appreciate removing one more unnecessary government
barrier.
Laying hens only. Bees are fine
No to chickens but yes to bees given how important they are to the ecosystem and their
dwindling numbers due to pesticide overuse.
The people who are thinking chickens would be fun, have no idea what is involved.
This seems like a win for the city and community. Pollinators are needed, and chickens help to
reduce pests. I fully support this and believe that the city setting ordinance based on this
would help to ensure proper care and treatment of these beings as well as safety of the
community at large.
For bees, consideration of offset to property lines is a must to make sure it doesn?t creat an
issue where the bee hive and therefore bees end up making someone else?s property
unusable
Do not want to hear chickens crowing at 5 am, like you hear in Mexico, I know of a couple of
people who have a serious allergy to bee stings.
Nope, have at it.
Perhaps they should live in the country if they want to be farmers. We have enough trouble
with barking dogs, owners not picking up after their dogs, etc.
Neighborhood notifications would be nice so if there is an allergy in the family folks could be
made aware. I have no allergies and fully support this change to the zoning.
Get real. Most people aren?t responsible enough to handle chickens and bees in city or
suburban settings.
I am shocked that anyone ever thought of illegalizing hens and bees in the first place.
Roosters, that I get.
Consider allergies to bee stings. Consider any enforcement of making sure the chickens are
being taken care of humanely.
Keep AS IS
I don't currently have a backyard so I would not be able to own either chickens or bees, but in
thinking about my future home, if Plymouth were to allow these then that would be a
favorable factor when considering location.
If managed properly through the education requirement and licensing chickens and bees
would not adversely change a neighborhood.
Bees could be a danger as kids might instigate them and get hurt. Chicken feathers always fly
to neighborhood areas and hard to get rid of them.
I live in a townhome association. The chickens and bees would have to be kept on our
common property.
Not sure how the city would enforce ordinances .
Seriously! Turn us into China at the same time so you can more easily transmit bird to human
viruses.
I don?t think you need training for bees and chickens, we have chickens and had no training,
they were great
No chickens or bees on residential property please.
I think lot size should be a factor in approval. If you live on a rural lot (multiple acres) I'd
support chickens or bees, but a standard 1/3 acre residential lot would likely cause issues with
neighbors.
I'd also like to see the permitting process require approval from neighbors.
73
I think chickens are more containable and could be less of a nuisance. I would like bees....but
do not know enough about them to know if they can be a nuisance in a city environment and
would not want to lose the ability to hang on my deck or cause that issue with my neigbors
If people want this in their backyards - does not bother me. Personally, don't want to take
care of them, but definitely supportive of others.
I love the idea of both! We likely wouldn't get them, but I would support others who felt up
to the task!
Please allow!
Do NOT allow back yard chickens. Do NOT allow back yard bees.
I am allergic to bee stings. No way. Chickens and dogs you are asking for trouble. Eggs are
about $1.30 a dozen.
No chickens. We have a hard enough time with neighbors and their gardens attracting pests
and rodents.
Chickens can help keep snake populations in check which we have a major problem with on
our property. We fully support both chicken and bee ownership for residents.
Both need laws to limit negative impacts to neighbors. Hens still can make some noise and
smell, and having bees around can be problematic for those allergic to their sting. My other
half will simply not spend much time outside, which is not necessarily right.
Bees are bae
My neighbor is exactly the kind of person who would love to have chickens and bees...he
cannot be trusted to bring his trash can up from the street for 3 -4 days after trash service. Do
you think he?ll keep up with a chicken coop or keep an eye on how things are going in his
back yard? This is a disaster waiting to happen, please don?t allow this!
Only concern--chickens, would there be a bad odor,
Bees--concern of them getting loose and stinging people/pets
I think this all sounds very cute and homey for the people in older parts of Plymouth, but I
really can?t imagine it going over well with the expanding New-Build population. I?m a pretty
open-minded person but I really am not into this becoming part of suburban life - absolutely
NOT the chickens.
I live in a townhouse so I'm pretty sure the association would not allow either.
Reasonable limits is one thing, but I hope Plymouth doesn?t make the process of getting
approved to have chickens reasonably complicated or expensive!
I grew up on a farm. I really don't feel that farm animals belong in backyards. I think people
might like the novelty of it but then might become negligent and not take proper care of
them. It takes a strong commitment to raise bees and chickens. We raised both and I had
many beestings as a kid without provocation. Again, don't think it is a good idea for city size
lots.
Thank you for thinking about bringing the city in line with other west metro cities.
With viruses jumping species, the whole point of living in cities is to be away from animals and
zoonotic viruses. Moreover, chickens make a lot of noise, dirty yards and can spread bird flu
and other viruses.
let those who want to raise chicken or bees buy a farm. this is a thin edge of the wedge, what
next cows, pigs?
I think of space and quality control, especially when it comes to sanitary conditions for a
chicken coop and proper disposal of waste or taking care of a hive when the owners leave the
home.
1. Statistically, will only people who love or hate chickens or bees respond?
74
2. Medicine Lake is choking to death; plastic bags are choking French Park; our drinking water
contains microplastics; and we're asking about chickens? Really?
These are bad ideas where people have at most 1/3-1/2 acre lots. If people who live in areas
with bigger lots want to do this, so be it. But in nearly all Plymouth neighborhoods, you can't
escape the smell, noise or eyesores coops and hives will be in your next door neighbor's yard.
My vote is a vehement NO for both chickens and bees.
I think there should be a minimum land acreage to have chickens and bees. I would support
homes having them as long as there was a good amount of space between homes. Maybe
impose a 1 acre minimum for example.
Bees and chickens are great for the environment!
If someone wants chickens/bees I highly recommend moving to a farm.
This is awesome and so important to help plymouth families be more self sustaining and help
out environment! Thank you!
Would love to see both of these approved!
Absolutely NO to chickens or bees in single family residential areas. We move into these
neighborhoods because of the farm free setting. They should be in rural areas only!
No, no, a thousand times no!!!!
I do not support. Have had problems with illegal chickens in the neighborhood in the past.
I would think a town with bees and chickens would be a charming place to live, and the bees
in particular are good for all the plant life.
Very slippery slope as far as people being careful to follow "rules" etc.
Chickens should be based on acreage.
The more bees the better. Chickens will help to feed the the hawks, fox and coyotes.
People can move out to the country if they want farm animals. They have no place in the
suburbs and will only serve to cause disruption and decrease property values.
I must be very careful around bees as I will react to the sting. But I do think there are areas in
Plymouth where bees can be taken care. Example is the city property near the Luce Line trail
west of Vicksburg.
Houses that have associations and covenants should not be allowed to have either.
I would support a communication effort to promote widespread community understanding of
the safety measures put in place to allow this change to happen w/o negative, unintended
consequences (if there was training and ordinance following as suggested in the survey).
Many people do not support this change because of information/"knowledge" that may not
be accurate.
I?m not sure who to report to but a neighbor has roosters.
I have lived in a suburb prior to moving here where my close neighbor had 4 beehives. My
flowers and vegetables thrived as never before. I am strongly, 100% supportive of allowing
chickens and beehives in Plymouth neighborhoods. I see it as a positive for our community on
so many levels. Voting yes to this initiative shows prospective residents that Plymouth
leadership makes educated decisions.
Neighbors currently don?t follow city limits/restrictions for other pets (dogs, cats) so limits for
chickens and bees will not be followed. How will the City of Plymouth monitor and enforce?
I love this idea! Even if we couldn't have them, our whole family would love to know there
were chickens in our neighborhood!
I live in a townhome, so this would not likely affect me.
Live on a hobby farm with acreage if you want chickens or bees.
Bees could migrate onto another?s property, but I recognize the importance to the
ecosystem. Hens- not sure I would like the coop visible- unless lots of codes for appearance
and upkeep, could be bad for property values of neighbors.
75
as long as neighbors following reasonable city guidelines - we should afford them flexibilities
in a home they have purchased
Can I have a clothes line in my yard?
We can?t even get our neighbors to keep their dogs on leash and not poop in our yard or
jump on our children. I don?t trust my neighbors with something more wild and loud with
potential for more nuisance.
If people want a farm they should live in the country not in Plymouth
Bees and chickens on large properties away from homes yes. On .25acre properties no.
Should be allowed
These are two very different animals. I think it is stupid to consider them under one heading.
How about elephants and ants. What is the policy there.
I nearly died as a child from bee stings in 50s plymouth oppose chickens and bees in suburbia
With chickens , it becomes a noise and manure issue. Bees are good for the environment.
There is no way to keep bees in your own yard and out of your neighbors space.
Chickens are noisy and smell. If you want to raise chickens you should purchase a hobby farm
with acreage where chickens can be properly kept away from your neighbors.
Chicken feed, straw and waste bring in rodents, raccoons, weasels and other vermin into the
neighborhood. I don't want to smell them on a hot, humid day while I'm enjoying a BBQ with
my family. I moved to the city and expected not to be around farm animals and the waste
they bring with them. Let's keep Plymouth clean.
Please don?t do this.
I think it would be great to add chickens and bees back into our landscape, as long as steps
are taken to ensure they don't turn into a nuisance.
I support both of these ideas wholeheartedly. A push for bee-friendly lawns/yards would be a
great thing to pair with a new ordinance on bee-keeping.
Nobody needs a license to have chickens. We can always report to the city if we hear
roosters. My family has a bee allergy - hell no we don't want anything that could make us go
to the hospital.
I would not chickens in my neighborhood.
THIS IS NOTHING SHORT OF DISGUSTING!! IF EITHER ARE DESIRED, MOVE OUT AND AWAY!
SOON!
A license? Really? More stupid government oversight. For thousands of years, people did
not need licenses. It's just a way to grab more money! Can you just let people be? That
being said, I do expect proper management of chickens. But then again, I come from a
generation where people applied COMMON SENSE and gentle guidance for concerns. But
you're not going to listen to me anyway.
How will the city regulate bee/ chicken owners? Follow up to make sure regulations being
followed will be key for owners and neighbors.
Just don't do it!
I would love to see this pass, we should be permitted to use our yards to benefit the planet!
Buy a farm
Who will be tasked to inforce the regulations? From where will the City probably otherwise
needed sources pull?
In my opinion already enough time wasted on this subject because of some Parents that are
bored out of their mind.
I love the ideas of chickens and bees in our community. Bring them in!
We have lost prime habitat for many species as Plymouth has developed. Small corrective
measures like these are to be encouraged.
76
The very definition of urban or suburban is that it is not rural. The very motivation and
purpose of paying the cost of a suburban home site is for it to be not rural. Those who chose
rural ways must move there. (We have bees, and they are not kept but do their work
anyway.)
would love if all publicly owned land had pollinator plants, would love buying local honey and
eggs from neighbors
Bees are a potential threat to the immediate neighborhood especially to kids. Chickens will
be a nuisance.
4 chickens is too few. Should be up to 6 or even 8.
Bees are critical to human survival. Chickens are not.
Plymouth residents can not even manage controlling their dogs let alone control bees or
chickens. I would like to see Plymouth do more to stop loud barking dogs. Maybe limit the
size of dogs to small dogs since the large dogs are the loud barkers. Please stop the barking!!
Please no!
I am a big supporter of micro urban gardening. Chickens and Bees are essential to this
process. I was taught how to do this by Dr. Kim Fox (Kimski) from Chernobyl. She is a biologist
whose job it was to restore decimated soil after the nuclear accident. She taught micro urban
gardening in Tucson Arizona and PBS sponsored her 110 mile bike trek across Europe to
collect heirloom seed.
These are great ideas at helping residents be self-sustainable. Additionally, bees are so
necessary to our ecosystem- what great ideas! I hope they are approved.
I am concerned about bee stings affecting people and pets.
Look to other neighboring cities who have this in place for tips on how to roll this out. We do
have wildlife that may wonder about having a chicken dinner, but this is no different from
what chicken ranchers face on a regular basis, and they have the proper shelters to keep
them safe at night.
In most cases, people should be allowed to do what they want with their property. Less
government regulation is better.
I think it is a great idea.
Bees are a critical resource; most of our food depends on bees. I'd encourage any action that
was for the betterment of bees.
If people want chickens and/or bees. Move further out from the city where you can have
more acreage between you and the neighbors.
Plymouth should align with neighboring communities to allow chickens and bees.
This initiative is not acceptable in an urban environment.
I think Plymouth should also allow any kinds of "farm" animals to be kept as pets (not for
slaughter). These would include goats, sheep, small pigs, and miniature horses.
But, I think Plymouth should ban any new pit bulls as pets. They are just too dangerous.
I also think Plymouth should ban invisible fences for dogs. People walking by have no way of
knowing that an invisible fence will really restrain an aggressive dog.
Many other municipalities allow bees and chickens. There?s no reason for Plymouth to not
follow suit.
Density of operations should be regulated,as well as size of individual operations.
Chickens often come with a rooster. And roosters are an unmitigated nuisance. They don't
just crow at dawn--they crow all the time. Friends of mine, in a northern suburb that allows
chickens, were annoyed by day and kept awake at night by constant crowing from a home
several acres away. Attempts to come to an amicable understanding between neighbors
failed. Complaints to the city failed, as the neighbors were within their legal rights to keep
chickens, and didn't care if they bothered someone else; in fact when their rooster died, they
77
promptly got a new rooster. My friends eventually sold their house and moved in order to
get away from the rooster. (They made sure to move to a place that didn't allow chickens.)
Bees could be problem if near foot traffic. Trails roads
This is way overdue! Both raising bees and chickens are beneficial in so many ways, and we
are behind many other cities in allowing this.
Arent there enough issues right now. Why is this an item to vote on? Is downtown Mpls
fixed? Lets get that to be safe. Farms are for bees and chickens not houses in town. This is
embarrassing that Plymouth would even bring this up in a pandemic.
I do not support backyard chickens or bees at all!
I am 100% on board with Plymouth residents having chickens and bees.
I don't see any problem with this, and raising chickens is getting increasingly popular. Given
the decline in honeybee population, I would be very supportive of having honeybee hives.
I think this is a wonderful idea!!!
The city needs to have a plan for how residents can complain about issues and who will the
city send out to investigate. The residents need to see final guidance info before deciding for
sure if we want this in out city/neighborhoods.
Having chickens would likely call in even more fox and coyotes than are currently in the area.
They are already prevalent and gaining more aggression as time goes on. Inviting more in
could result in injury or fecal related illness to domestic pets, or worse, young children.
Such animals belong on farms in rural areas, not in the suburbs.
More government regulations trying to control the populist. Training for 4 chickens. What a
joke...
I believe that the city and the suburbs are not the place for farm animals. People who would
like to raise chickens or bees have the ability to move to a hobby farm or out of the suburban
rings. People who choose to raise chickens and bees take rights away from neighbors by
luring wildlife closer to our homes, bringing rodents closer to our homes, causing property
damage with displaced bees making hives where they don't belong, and anaphylactic
reactions to those allergic to stings. As a gardener, I am all for pollination. I do not want an
aggressive, non-native pollinator to be supported in my yard.
Move to the country if you want a farm
Subject to prior training and permitting, I have no problem at all with this proposal
Personally, I don?t want to smell a chicken coop or get stung by bees. Those activities seem
better suited for an acreage or hobby farm. Also, there are a lot of people with severe bee
allergies and there is no way to contain flyng insects to the bee keeper?s property.
I would approve depending on location and lot type (as in large or wooded)
I believe that chickens and bees belong on properties larger than those found in Plymouth. In
addition, there will be additional administrative costs for monitoring that people are abiding
by health codes etc. and I don't want to pay more taxes for that. I worry especially about the
bees as my mother, father, and sister all have anaphylactic reactions to beestings which
means that I am highly likely to develop the same deadly reaction. I know that honeybees are
not aggressive, but just having more bees in the area increases the danger-NO thanks.
Our Parkview Ridge Homeowners' Association does not allow keeping chickens of bees.
My biggest concerns are noise and odor from chickens and the safety of pets and children and
even adults with regards to the beehives. However I am open to learning more about how
these types of animals/insects can be managed safely, quietly and odor free. If either of these
were to be mismanaged by neighbors, how would it be handled? Would there be limits per
block or neighborhood?
This seems to be much ado about not much!
78
My neighbors don't even keep up their yard, how would I trust them to take care of chickens
or bees?
So long as it was not an eyesore, I'd have zero objection. In fact, it might add a little unique
interest to the neighborhood.
I live in a condo so cannot have either chickens or bees, but I fully support persons in single
family homes having them.
Our neighbors already have chickens and they a nuisance
Please allow chickens and bees! I know other suburban cities in MN, for example Mendota
Heights, allow chickens. Maybe Plymouth could look in to how it is working for them, get a
copy of their laws and regulations, implement them here, and make changes as needed. I
believe even NYC allows bees, my relative who lives there has a hive on his roof which is
allowed.
Don't do it
Family member is deathly allergic to bee stings. This could be devastating.
Concerned about safety of our cats.
In the case of chickens, I would be concerned about the odor.
Chickens can go feral ... check out Miami chicken busters ...
Extremely supportive of bees. Our pollinators need all the help they can get!
We need to stay progressive and keep up with neighboring cities. Others all around allow
chickens, we should as well.
All for it!
While I don't think the city should legislate all things, I see this being more of a nuisance issue
rather than a valid reason to have bees and chickens.
Please allow chickens and bees!
I'm all for both as long as done responsibly.
CHICKENS.....This information may be available...... Where are supplies delivered and stored,?
Are there requirements as to how to move the manure from back yard to the street? How
permanent would the water source be? Could there be more than four during the switch
over from older to younger chickens.
I think a good number of those interested have a romanticized version of "having a few
chicks." When that is realized, there could easily be an uncaring permit holder and a
disgruntled neighbor. Too many variables, DON'T WANT CHICKENS IN PLYMOUTH.
BEES.....are ok if permit regulations are very SPECIFIC.
Seems like a good thing to allow!
Bee keeping I support. Chickens would be messy and noisy and I wouldn't want to live next to
that.
Who would enforce the regulations? Policing of smelly chickens could be a tricky problem. Or
bees deciding to make a hive somewhere other than their designated hives. Bees and
chickens take more maintenance than most people are willing to put in.
I think it is a wonderful idea to allow chickens and Bees. Chickens would be nice now,
especially in these difficult economic times. Bees would certainly help our environment
especially with their numbers dwindling. I think its a wonderful idea for Plymouth to be
proactive with chickens and bees. Wiith education I see it as a win win. Wonderful for the
families having them and great for our environment.
I'm all for increasing pollinators in the city, and I have no problem with people raising poultry.
My instinct is these are not typical "pets" but maybe there could be a minimum size lot for
this. Say 1 acre or more.
79
Bees are not contained, they will come to my house to and in groves, if a hive is nearby. I
have enough trouble with bees each summer around my house. Chickens are the same, they
are noisy, and cannot be trained to be quiet such as a family dog, and they are dirty.
Who would be making up the ordinances? Can associations over-ride the city ordinances to
not allow it? What is the time frame for establishing the new ordinances
My family is excited about chickens! We're hoping to maybe get some next year if passed, due
to start up costs.
Plymouth WAS a rural area - it isn't any longer! We already have challenges to our suburban
quality of life including weak and ineffective dog barking ordinances, adding the nuisances of
chickens and bees would make things worse. Buy your eggs and honey at the local grocery
store, and plant bee-friendly flowers in your gardens! If you want to do-it-yourself buy a farm
elsewhere.
not supportive of this 'farm' setting in the city.
I think this is great!
Bees would be beneficial to neighborhood gardens, fruit trees, berries, etc.
I?m less worried about what people do on their own property than what city, state, and
federal governments do with money from others. Plymouth leadership is not representing
their constituents when you jack up our taxes while putting people out of work by closing
businesses and building $50m playgrounds for seniors despite having Lifetime next door.
If I catch the neighbors chicken pooping on my car, can I invite the chicken to dinner?
If allowing either one, resident must have at least five to ten acres. And, chickens are smelly!
People always complain about coyotes. Coyotes would love a chicken dinner!
My only concern on bees is to make sure that they stay in their hives and not try to make their
home at my house.
Highly support.
This is a no brainer. I am definitely against allowing chickens or bees.
I fully support the bee keeping. However, chickens are another matter and I don't have
enough information about chickens to decide either way.
Lots in Plymouth are not large enough to have farm animals without impact on neighbors. I
think chickens are loud and dirty.
And my neighbors are not qualified as beekeepers.
This is insane. I have kids that are allergic to bee stings., and we already have enough bees
flying around the neighborhood. And why do I want a smelly chicken coop next door? I can't
believe you're actually considering this for a handful of people who what this. What
happened to majority rule? When you get half the people of Plymouth asking for this, then
fine....
I think both are a great idea and would constitute a good service for Plymouth residents
Great idea - hopefully the chicken allowance is chickens-only, not including roosters.
Licensing and training would be important
I live in a condominium development. Is the City considering whether bees or chickens would
be allowed for multi-unit housing complexes?
I think the city should do everything it can to support bees with appropriate guardrails in
place to protect ppl with severe allergies. It seems the food supply is VERY dependent on our
bee populations.
Chickens make lousy house pets.
As a former chicken owner I'm concerned with the health and safety of the animals. Coops
must be safe against predators (including other neighborhood pets), owners must have good
plans for handling manure, providing water that's available (not frozen) and how they will
keep the chickens from free ranging off their home property. The City may also wish to
80
specify whether chickens may be kept as house chickens as this may be how some
Minnesotans plan to keep their chickens safe during winter months.
I support keeping of bees but not chickens
There is absolutely nothing wrong with having chickens or bees in a suburban setting
There should be good options for those wanting chickens and bees. People are free to have
dogs and cats even with all the risks to people and the environment posed by dogs and cats.
If they are allowed, I think there should be a minimum acreage. It should not be allowed
where houses are right next to one another in developments/neighborhoods. Maybe out ?in
the country? where the lots are an acre or more.
If people want chickens or bees they can move to a farm.
I strongly support the keeping of bees within city limits, and have no problem with the
keeping of chickens either.
Maybe there needs to be a setback from the property line for coops and hives. That way, if
the neighbors have a swingset or pool or something on their property edge, it would not abut
a coop or hive which might be bothersome. I believe the U of M has some type of
beekeeping outreach, they might be a good resource for the council. J. Steen
Bees in more rural settings but not in backyards where there in less than 200 feet of property
line.
Let people live their lives. The city is not a dictatorship.
I fully support this and feel it contributes positively to our ecosystem (bees) and to our
residents? self sustenance. Are used to live in Minneapolis, where homes are much closer
together than they typically are in Plymouth, and if keeping chickens works there, there?s no
reason it shouldn?t in Plymouth.
I think chickens and bees should be allowed as long as they don't interfere with the neighbors.
Well look at Plymouth trying to get all progressive, it?s about time!
I am concerned about the noise and the possibility that fox and coyote would be more
prevalent causing a safety issue for small pets
Please do not allow these animals and insects in the city limits. The mess will bring down
property values. If people want to play farmer, please move to the country.
People are misinformed about honeybees. I think this survey could be a teaching moment.
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/01/27/581007165/honeybees-help-farmers-but-
they-dont-help-the-environment
I support both wholeheartedly. In particular, pollinators need all the support they can get.
People are way more likely to be stung by wasps than honeybees, which are not aggressive
unless harassed.
Encouraging residents to plant native plants, skip the removal of leaves by mulching them,
and do a better all around job of education on the merits of naturalization. That will bring in
more bees. The chickens are on their own :-)
I?m ok with it
I lived next to a place with chickens and they woke us up every morning, super early.
Annoying.
Chickens YES! Bees, please follow the science. Xerces Society has a lot of resources. If we
want to have bees to help with the crisis of pollinator loss then we need to focus on native
bees. Hive bees compete with natives for food so aren't necessarily a good solution. We'd all
be better planting native plants and flowers to help native bees regain habitat. I'm happy to
talk or testify if this helps. I'm not opposed to bees but strongly ask that we do what's best to
protect our native bees which are at risk.
If chickens and/or bees were allowed, the size of the lot should be included. For examples. a
lot must be larger than 1/2 acre to allow chickens or bees.
81
This is a very bad idea. No amount of independent training, a licensing process or ordinances
would be able to avoid the problems this could cause. Keep farmland, farmland and lots for
homes, lots for homes.
no reason not to allow
Approving these would be great!
This would be great. My husband talk about this all the time. We have a huge back yard that
would be appropriate for a small area for chickens without bothering and neighbors.
Only downside I know of for chickens is noise from roosters. I'm not educated enough to
know other concerns.
Bees sound scary to me, but also necessary so I'm torn. Maybe they'd be better in a park
away from trails
No, but we should talk about bee-friendly insecticides and pesticides being used, maybe city
ordinance for city-workers they can only use those types of products?
Yes, please allow bees and chickens! I am very much in favor of this!
No chickens! Chickens are farm animals, Plymouth is not a "farm community". Considering
that we are in the midst of a pandemic and that poultry have been a concern in other disease
outbreaks we don't need to bring them into the city - closer to the general population.
A couple of chickens are ok. People need to make the pens look nice vs patch work crap.
Independent beekeeping should probably be limited since according to U of MN, honeybees
compete with our native MN bees. More information should be gathered first. Source:
https://www.beelab.umn.edu/bees/helping-bees
We have a growing crisis with our shrinking bee population and the valuable service they
provide, namely pollination. Anything to encourage more honey bees in beautiful Plymouth,
MN is fine with this Plymouth Household.
Lee H.
THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS!! I've been wanting both chicken and bees and when I saw they
city didn't allow them, was looking into how to cut that! Yes to chickens &bees!!!
Maybe allow on properties above a certain square footage/acreage and a certain amount of
distance from any neighbor.
Review ordinances around native flower planting especially at boulevards to support rain
waiter runoff in sewers as well as pollinators
I fully support having chickens and bees in Plymouth!!! Let's do it!
As a city, we should be doing everything we can to support more local food production. I'm
all for this!
Chickens are for farms. If you want farm fresh eggs, support a local farmer and buy from
them.
As for the Bees, offer limited Permits for public spaces within the parks and/or Dog Parks. We
don't need Bees in backyards.
It?s nice that there would be a requirement to get proper training. It would also be nice for
there to be some type of follow up process to ensure the bees? and chickens? safety and
proper care maybe a year or two after a permit is issued. The main reason why I would?t be
getting bees or chickens is because I live in a townhome community.
No bees! Please
We need bees!! Our apple trees have never produced fruit:(
Being allowed to have either/both would be amazing! I hope the cities does allow this
opportunity for the Plymouth residents.
maybe neighborhood quotas/maximums?
82
Survey doesn't address those living in non-single family dwellings. I'd be fine if my near
neighbors had critters.
You would be making a number of families happier to live in Plymouth. With friends in other
Twin Cities towns having chickens, it feels like Plymouth is missing out.
It is not a good idea to allow backyard chickens and the keeping of bees within the city limits.
These are two situations which can open up so many issues and conflicts with neighbors and
within neighborhoods. There will be health dangers and sanitation issues. Then the city of
Plymouth will find itself in more complicated situations involving chickens and bees.
Currently some Plymouth dog owners cannot even take care of their pet dogs. Some pet
dogs are left to run unleashed. Some dog owners do not pick up their dog?s feces. These
dog owners are choosing to ignore current city rules. One can assume that some chicken and
bee owners will also choose to ignore city guidelines and rules for their chickens and bees.
I think this is good for the environment and won't be a problem for other residents, as long as
guidelines are followed.
The noise and smell of chickens would be a huge drawback.
Regarding bees, we need more pollinators anywhere we can get them, since their numbers
are seriously declining.
The city should also plant more pollinator friendly gardens and not mow as much (to help
bees/butterflies and also to reduce carbon emissions).
Ummmm. Let?s not get silly like Minneapolis and have backyard chickens. Who?s hairbrained
idea was this? Lord, aren?t there other areas the city could spend their time on?
Will people be notified if their neighbors are having chickens/bees?
Can we also allow one cow/calf pair? No bulls of course. :)
I would just make sure the homeowner has enough space. I would love to have bees, but my
lawn is very tiny as the rest is a marsh.
I too would like free eggs and honey, but in reality this is a terrible idea. The first time a
chicken gets out and causes a car accident people are going to be asking why they are allowed
in neighborhoods. These things are just a million incidents waiting to happen. I'd love to
have chickens and bees, but I realize my neighborhood is an inappropriate place for them.
Please really think about the downsides to this.
Sounds like a fun idea! This pandemic has made the need to grow/raise your own food even
more important.
The point of this would be allowing Additional independence of property owners Not Creating
a money pool From licensing.
Our neighbors have illegal chickens right now and they are ridiculously noisy, especially the
rooster. All we need are more of those stupid things...not! Additionally, they are very
upsetting to my dog who would likely kill them if he had a chance. As for bees, not in a
neighborhood. My sister is extremely allergic and literally could die if stung. I want her to be
able to be at my house/yard in peace and safety.
Chickens, noisy, smelly, draws predators
Strongly in favor of chickens. I like the idea of beekeeping in theory but worry that having
more honeybees with drive out native pollinators who are already struggling and ruin our
natrual praire habitat and endanger native plants.
We do not have the space in our yards for hens or bees and I see the need for keeping them
to be frivolous.
Just wait until the owners fail to be responsible. The what will you do?
I?d permission is granted it will require oversight.
83
So happy the city is looking at this! We would love to raise chickens and have fresh organic
eggs! And we need more Native honey bees! Please make it happen!
As someone who grew up on a farm I can definitively say that chickens and bees would rather
live in the country. And so would geese and ducks, which is why we should do away with the
plethora of ?wetlands? in Plymouth that could be re-landscaped as green spaces and parks for
humans to use and enjoy.
I don?t know enough about chickens to feel strongly. I am in strong support of bees.
There should be considerations for households with certain allergies.
What an excellent idea! I think this would be great for our city.
As long as the chicken and/or bee keepers are considerate of their neighbors, and are making
every effort to ensure the chickens or bees are very well cared for, I have no objections.
Why not
if there were chickens our dog would go nuts everytime he was out. Neither I nor the
neighbors would appreciate that
I support the draft ordinances I have seen. I would like to see the chicken coop/run area be
larger than 120 square feet. Smaller spaces could lead to behavioral issues even with only 4
chickens and would not provide sufficient space to separate any birds if needed due to
illness/disease.
no thank you chickens are for the country not the city
Please, no chickens or bees. Inherently, this opens the door to unsightly structures and many
other issues
I would like to know more about the bees first. Do they sting? Would my children be at risk?
How far away from the hive do they fly? Need more education to decrease my fears.
Bees and/or chickens can be no more of a nuisance, and probably less, than barking dogs. I
doubt many people would choose to have bees and chickens ANYWAY as they are a lot of
work and a large expense. However, I believe people who want to have their own healthy
source of eggs and honey should not be prevented from doing so. I also think by allowing
beekeeping, we as a community can help do our part in combatting colony collapse. And, if
the city of Minneapolis allows backyard chickens, it is curious that Plymouth does not,
especially in neighborhoods that have larger lot sizes.
I like this idea.
I never expected these questions!
It's about time!
If chickens are allowed they should be only with acre plus lots only.
I would love to have chickens, but we currently have a pool. I fully support my neighbors
having chickens.
This will cause more diseases and unnecessary health risks involved
Family members are allergic to bees. One older lady in our family is very allergic to bees.
Plymouth needs to be a "bee friendly" city and prohibit the use of neonaticide pesticides.
4 chickens limit us too low. I'd say 10 is a better limit.
Once it starts it is hard to reel it back.
Bees are super important, so I?m excited to have the option. As long as the chickens are a
nucence, I?m ok with allowing chickens.
Bees and the new bee keeper needs to join a bee club and or take classes at the U of M bee
lab. New bee keepers would need to learn how to keep bees and all the equipment that
needed and hive placement etc. We need bees!
Are you kidding me? Sorry, but I do not believe that people should have bees or chickens in
the city. Our yards are way too small and close together for that. Seriously!! It's difficult
enough to get people to take care of their dogs! You are asking for all kinds of trouble if you
84
allow farm animals in people's back yards. If people want farm animals, they can move out to
the country. What are you thinking???
Again, as long as no roosters are around to wake my children up the moment the sun comes
up, I see no issues with neighbors having chickens or bees. Might be useful though to limit the
amount of bee hives per area. Ex. We have 3 additional neighbors on one corner, that could
be up to 8 beehives right next to each other.
I think it's a great idea to allow both chickens and bees.
When
I really hope both of these pass. It's been a long time coming. Thanks!
Really oppose backyard chickens. Have heard a lot of bad stories in Minneapolis. Bees
maybe. Would need more information.
Our HOA would not allow this, but I?m happy to support those that might be able to do this in
Plymouth. We?d love to get fresh eggs around here instead of driving to other cities.
Enforcement of following the number of chickens and bee hives could become an issue.
Houses are to close together
Please do not offer this within Plymouth city limits. We are near enough to larger areas of
land ownership that people should consider their farming lifestyle before choosing a
suburban environment. Approving this would make me consider moving out of Plymouth all
together.
Yes to bees! Maybe no to chickens.
Chickens are a nuisance and make noise. Do not allow chickens in Plymouth. If you have been
to Kauai Hawaii you will see what chickens can turn into.
Chickens...no problem. I wold;wamnt bee hives to be a significant distance form my property
to prevent my getting stung. I'm not sure what that distance would need to be,
I am strongly in favor of allowing chickens and beekeeping. We need to encourage people to
interact with nature, we need to encourage people to nurture the environment. The city
should also not stand in the way of people who wish to exercise their rights to cultivate their
own food on their own property. As long as ordinances are enforced and people are
compliant then I don't see a problem. I encourage the city to adopt this.
Do you think I want to look at my neighbors chicken coop across my backyard? Go live on a
farm if you want chickens.
Some worries about curious children, pets...maybe adults and how this might be handled.
I am allergic to bees. Not too thrilled if a neighbor would have bees.
1. Coops will need to be a certain distance from property line and regulated size and
construction, I hope.
2. City should also up its education and acceptance of projects that promote NATIVE bee
populations (which are threatened) and ensure kept bee hives do not put such populations at
risk.
Chickens are noisy and I'm severely allergic to honey bees so not a fan of this.
My neighbors already have too much ?stuff? in their backyard! I can only imagine the mess a
chicken coop would add. As far as bees, I am just not educated enough on the safety aspect
to make a thoughtful decision. I would be in favor of it if deemed safe and good for our native
plants & environment.
I am so happy to see Plymouth considering this and hope they allow chickens and bees. I
absolutely support this.
I think it's an excellent idea to have chickens for fresh eggs and bees for pollination. I would
have chickens if I wasn't a renter
I don?t trust my neighbors to keep them on their property!
85
I?m deeply concerned that this conversation is taking place without considering the ill effects
from improper livestock keeping. We?re in the middle of a pandemic. I?d hate to see another
pandemic spawn from urban and suburban areas housing chickens.
Need to allow enough space for both to live well. Spaying of chemicals (herbicides and
pesticides) would need to be reduced or eliminated for the safety of bee colonies.
I don't know how bees could be securely contained in a neighbors yard
I'm allergic to bees and I would be very afraid of being outdoors with bee hives nearby. I
don't think chickens belong in cities in backyards. Please don't allow chickens or bees. Thank
you.
Thank you for asking
We try to plant pollinator friendly gardens. Why not have people benefit from having the
honey bees.
If considering can there be a lot size requirement? I?d be very unhappy if neighbors put
anything close to our yard.
If allowed, there should be requirements for the size of your property. Most neighborhoods
are way too tightly spaced for chickens and bees!!
Bees are good for the inviorment
Not a good idea!! Someone will not do what they are suppose to and someone will get hurt.
Property value will go down.
Such a great idea to allow people to be able to feed themself and connect back to the basic of
food production. Even it?s a small step, but it has many other angles to consider; e.g. it
compliments backyard gardening in a huge way, it?s a great education for young generations
in many ways....drawing them outdoor, teaching them about food source, etc. All in all,
keeping chicken and bees promote healthy community!
I think both should be allowed.
I like the idea of allowing this
I used to be a beekeeper many years ago, I wonder how you can control this. If almost all
neighbors had two hives of bees that could be a problem for those that don?t appreciate
bees. Bees don?t stay close to their hives during warm sunny days!!!
Don't make it bureaucratic. People are smart and can handle having either or both of these
without the city getting in their business.
I live in a townhouse so I can't have chickens, but if I had a single family home with a yard I
would definitely want them!
Plymouth has built too many houses on small lots, there is no space for bees and chickens. If
people want they need to buy land and move out of the residential area. Plymouth is also a
family community with many children, seems to be a risk to our children to have bees that
sting and chickens in close proximity of kids.
I also would like to see the city working harder to get people to replace lawns with native
plants.
Is this a joke? where is the equivalence between chickens and bees? This is no longer
agricultural land use....no chickens.
We were able to this in Golden Valley when we lived there before moving to Plymouth. It is
time that Plymouth gets more current with the idea of a more natural way to get food
sources. Especially eggs. But there should be a limit, two chicken and 1 maybe two behives.
100% back this ordinance. I?ve known several people to safely and respectfully raise both
bees and chickens in suburban neighborhoods, while being courteous of their neighbors.
Benefits include: home business opportunities, environmental support (bees), educational
opportunities for kids, food benefits, among others
86
We don't support chickens in residential areas.
People allergic to bee stings could be impacted by neighboring hives.
I think allowing people to do what they want within reason is a great idea. If people want to
raise chickens and bees, i say they should be allowed and encouraged.
I fully support this!! Appreciate the limit of 4 chickens, but this is a growing trend in the area
and would like Plymouth residents to have the option to participate.
Don't reinvent the wheel. There are plenty of communities that allow either chickens or bees
or both. Check out as many as you can (not just one) and use their experience and
regulations to model Plymouth regulations. Make the regulations reasonable. And make
sure to give weight to informed opinions rather than many of the knee-jerk, uninformed
opinions that we see on Next Door and Facebook.
Great you are listening to a very, very small population of the community. Would love focus
on speed, traffic and pedestrian safety - follow nextdoor to see all the threads. Walk along
101 between the elementary schools and see how safe you feel.
Great idea!
Don't love the idea
We already have more than enough domestic animals.
I?d love to see Plymouth allow Honey Bees, they bring so much to the community. I truly
hope Plymouth allows this so more bee keepers can help support the bee population, this will
encourage flower growers, gardeners etc.
I keep bees in St. Louis Park in the 60s and 70s. we had no issues with the neighbors although
we kept the hives 50 feet from side and rear property lines. I think the set backs are
important. I have also worked in land use zoning and enforcement for over 35 years. We had
100 foot setbacks for livestock. Also, a waste plan should be submitted by the applicant.
Bees should be encouraged
Less concerned about chickens... bees make me nervous with little kids in neighborhoods.
If people are allowed to have chickens. There should be restrictions in place for how large the
yard must be and how far away the coop must be from the neighbors homes and property
It is so thrilling to see that our city is taking steps towards allowing residents to expand their
animal ownership options! These types of changes increase our quality of life, reduce our
negative impact on the environment and help to preserve the nature within our community!!!
I support as long as the rules are followed and the chickens are treated humanely.
I?m not very knowledgeable about either, and would need more info, but the chicken thing
definitely does not sound good to me, even without knowledge,
Chickens can be noisy. I don't know how you prevent them from disturbing neighbors at 500
am
All of these may be ?wonderful? in a rural environment ~ although not in Plymouth that also
has so many parks adjacent to private homes ? where ?possibly? these birds ? and bees ?
could fly away into ?
Thank you for saying no roosters! Chickens are great though. We would consider getting some
ourselves. Proper training is a must so the correct cold weather breeds are chosen. We don't
want the poor things suffering in the cold if they can't handle it. I do have a concern of
attracting more predators. Would correct safety measures be covered in the training?
Assuming reports are correct that coyote sightings are up, then the population would also be
growing. Farming hens in the backyard is an open invitation to coyotes. I think this is a
terrible idea. I do not want more coyotes living closer to houses. Plus I do not want my
neighborhood to smell like a farm. If you want a farm buy one or start a coop somewhere
else.
87
We have enough problems with fox, coyotes, etc. Don't need to invite more. Yes, they would
be caged... sneaky like a fox... it would still be a problem.
Love the idea! Good for nutrition and good for children's/families' learning on so many levels!
I support beekeepers because pollinators benefit ecosystems.
Bee provide value to community, they are pollinators. Chickens can cause disease. The past
bird virus. Also fungi infection (Histoplasmosis).
I think this is a great idea to allow chickens or bees
How will proper implementation of these changes be enforced? I grew up on a farm and
frankly chicken coops smell if not cleaned out regularly; how will the bi-product be disposed
of? And who will check that homeowners are following regulations? Some homeowners have
trouble picking up after their dog, I pray these people do not get chickens.
Bees would help all of our gardens. Maybe encourage people to plant more pollinator friendly
gardens. There is literally no reason not to do this.
I think you really need to consider the regulations around this. Chickens and bees in
neighborhoods where lot sizes are small and houses are butting up against each other as it is,
both of these could be a nuisance to neighbors. And if complaints are submitted, action needs
to happen swiftly and permanently.
I just want to be sure that the chickens wouldn?t be real noisy
I strongly oppose any
Change
To the current animal regulation
Both personal bees and chickens is a great idea. I have close friend in Mpls who has Bees. Also
great for kids to learn about animals.
I live in a townhouse area so I wouldn't be able to consider having either chickens or bees. I
would if I had an area that would support them.
Prefer an enforcement method that requires residence to remove chickens/bees in the event
they are not complying with requiments.
I would definitely not support any honey bee hives in the area and prefer not to have
chickens, but am more likely to allow that if properly maintained
If allowed, I believe the ordinance should require proper fencing for chicken enclosures.
For chickens, please ensure that enclosures will be humane, allow free-roam, and will be
insulated and kept warm during winter months. It can get quite cold and having chickens live
outside in the cold is cruel and inhumane. Also, surrendering/abandoning/giving up chickens
in the fall/winter can be an issue; how will this be mitigated?
move into the country if you want to have a mini farm
I do not think either backyard chickens or bees are appropriate within Plymouth city limits.
I?m in total support of Plymouth residents hosing chicken or bees on their property of so
desired.
I don?t care too much about chickens either way, but because of the importance of bees as
pollinators, I think it would be excellent to have our community helping the bee population
thrive. All for it.
I am strongly against backyard chickens and the keeping of bees within the city limits
primarily because once the city allows those agricultural activities it will be difficult for the
city to refuse requests for other slightly (or significantly) more invasive agricultural activities.
Bees are good for bees are good for pollinating. We need them.
Save Hollydale
The rules the planning commission suggested seem very reasonable.
88
Almost all communities in Twin Cities allow chickens. I think it's good for the overall
psychological health and well-being, to educate kids and stay positive. It's time for Plymouth
to allow chickens! I don't know as much about bees, but also see them as a positive thing.
Would support it if my neighbors start that.
How will compliance be enforced, neighbor complaints vs. periodic inspections? What are the
penalties for non-compliance?
I think the city of Minneapolis has good requirements, including requiring training and
permission from local neighbors. I do think that I'd want to be clear if raising bees is actually
as beneficial or actually counter to existing native bees (vs. planting pollinator-friendly plants
etc.)
None at this time
I love the idea of allowing backgard chickens and beekeeping! Both practices enrich people's
personal connection to the enviroment and encourage friendly neighbor interaction (through
sharing eggs or honey, or through shared animal-keeping experiences). I would be very
excited to hear that the City of Plymouth chose to allow backyard chickens and beekeeping
for responsible residents.
I've been a Plymouth resident for the past 2 years, and I would love the opportunity to raise
bees on the property. I want to do my part to maintain a healthy bee population, improve the
environment, and help model to others the importance of environmental care in our
community civics.
Already concerned about fire pits in the back yards - I have one on each side of us.
We can't sit out on our screened in porch without smoke filling the room.
Chickens could be the same and don't want smell them - not too concerned about seeing or
hearing them.
There should be a set back of at least 20 feet
Thanks for considering this! I?m all for it!
Chickens are a nuisance!
My bees answer is based on whether or not the bees would be flying around other properties
than their home one. If not I am in favor as bees are essential in the ecosystem
Our houses are too close together to allow these in our neighborhood.
I'd like to learn more about this topic. I'm interested in doing these two things myself, but
don't know enough of what that practically means. Do I have enough room to have chickens?
Do I need a shed or cage?
I think it's a wonderful way of getting children in touch with nature and understanding more
of what it means to consume a chicken and/or honey products.
Let's get on board and allow this to happen.
THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN PLYMOUTH.
When handled responsibly, the addition of chickens and/or bees can be a very good thing. I
think it's a wonderful idea. I'm sure you're aware of the benefits to the environment. I hope
the city supports the initiative.
Enforcement of criteria?
I think allowing residents to have chickens and/or bees would be great!
I believe allowing access to bees would be very beneficial to Plymouth. Access to chickens
woukd be good as well, with the understnading the chickens need to be maintained and care
for so there is no neglect or damage brought on by escaped chickens.
Chickens smell and I hate bees!
89
I already have neighbors that struggle with keeping old cars and other junk out of their yard
so would worry about how the city would control and maintain adherence to any regulations
for chickens and bees.
Go to St. Paul and see what happens to neighborhoods which allowed this.
Great idea, progressive and enviromentally considerate.
I fully support this idea!
All I can see is chickens running around in the neighborhoods! I could see properties that
have a couple of acress of land, that could handle chickens...but not in the average
neighborhoods where you have a postage stamp yard. As for bees, I am allergic to their
stings....so that would be my concern on having my neighbor have a hive in their backyard.
I support these activities in Plymouth.
I do not believe Plymouth is the place these types of activies, especially in residential areas
with relatively small lots. Having bees or chickens will have a significant impact on
neighboring properties.
Many other cities near us allow for chickens and bees, including more dense populations like
Minneapolis. I feel like Plymouth is behind the times on allowing Chickens and bees, both of
them have positive impacts to the environment.
90
From:Gretchen Larson <valsito@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 18, 2023 8:46 PM
To:Jeffry Wosje <jwosje@plymouthmn.gov>
Subject:Special Council session May 23 bee ordinance
Greetings Mayor Wosje!
It appears the special meeting on May 23rd is addressing further research done by city staff in
preparation for another public meeting on the subject of bee keeping in Plymouth.The general tenor
being a change of ordinance is going to happen and you are sorting out the details. Yay! That is exciting!
I have several observations to make on the viability of the regulations suggested. In particular:
1.Number of hives limited to two. This number seems to be small in regards to optimal management
practices to control swarming which occurs when hives become productive.
2.Provision of water on property required. This may be problematic and a non issue during the winter
months when the hives are hibernating.
3.Setbacks from neighboring buildings and property lines and Limiting hives to back and side yards(both
of these seem to ignore the basic siting requirements for optimal hive entrances and orientation)
4.No use of public land although several parks in my neighborhood have been rebranded as nature
reserves and would be ideal sites. (Oakview Pond and Beacon Heights link to map below)
My own yard under the suggested regulations for size would not qualify although I am very interested
and have taken a beekeeping course in preparation. It appears almost all these regulations focus on the
human factors as opposed to optimizing the odds for a successful
hive.ParkLocatorWABmaps.arcgis.com
Further, public land use would encourage better siting for hives( perhaps leased spaces like trailer
parks)and facilitate oversight by limiting the number and location of sites to be overseen.
5.The impact of domestic bees on native pollinators endangered or otherwise. This issue was raised
repeatedly in the comments section of the survey and I append here a general article on the subject:
Do Domestic Honeybees Impact Native Bee Populations?
backyardbeekeeping.iamcountryside.com
6.Many Metro area cities were surveyed by your research team but I was puzzled by the omission of
Edina as a pertinent model. I append here the questions and responses from the Deputy City Clerk.
FYI:
91
Population Edina 53,000
Population Plymouth 80,000
Note this data is for 2015-present not broken out by year.
Begin forwarded message:
From:Noel Mills Ford <NMills@edinamn.gov>
Date:March 2, 2023 at 8:54:41 AM CST
To:zgl3@yahoo.com
Subject:Public Data Request
Hi Gretchen,
Below are some answers to your questions.
2015-present by year:
1.How many permits issued
47 total (including two that have just recently registered and have not yet been inspected)
2.Number of complaints associated with permits granted
I don’t have any data on complaints, but we did revoke one registration twice and another registration
once due to objections from neighbors.
3. Number of rescinded permits due to violations.
None, just due to objections from neighbors. I’m confirming this with our animal control department –stay
tuned.
4. First responder trips related to bee stings city wide.
We aren’t able to parse out these trips from others.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you,
Noel
Noel Mills Ford, Deputy City Clerk
952-826-0409 |Fax 952-826-0390
NMills@EdinaMN.gov |EdinaMN.gov
Lastly,I read through most of attached survey results and in particular the comments section . Quite
illuminating and good to set the context elected officials are working in.
Thank you for your work in making Plymouth a great place to live!
Sincerely,
Gretchen Larson
92
Special City
Council
May 23, 2023
Agenda
Number:2.3
To:Dave Callister, City Manager
Prepared by:Jodi Gallup, City Clerk/Administrative Coordinator
Reviewed by:Maria Solano, Deputy City Manager
Item:Set future study sessions
1.Action Requested:
Schedule study sessions and/or add topics as desired. Calendars are attached to assist with
scheduling.
2.Background:
Pending study session topics (at least three Council members have approved the following study
items on the list):
- Boards and Commissions involvement with Council to be scheduled Fall 2023.
Other Council Requests:
- None at this time.
Staff requests for Special Meeting topics and/or changes:
- Schedule budget study session on levy impacted funds and related CIP on August 22 at 5 p.m.
- Schedule budget study session on levy impacted funds and related CIP on September 12 at 5 p.m.
- Schedule budget study session on enterprise funds budget with utility study and related CIP on
October 24 at 5 p.m.
- Schedule budget study session on internal service funds budget review and related CIP on
November 14 at 5 p.m.
- Schedule final budget study session (if needed) on November 28 at 5 p.m.
3.Budget Impact:
N/A
4.Attachments:
June
July
August
September
93
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
4
5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13
14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21
22 23 24
25 26 27
28 29 30
June 2023
3400Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447
763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED
5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Budget Goals and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
6:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Council Chambers
5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Plymouth Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) discussion and Former Four Seasons Mall site discussion Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
94
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1
2 3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10 11
12
13 14 15
16 17 18
19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
July 2023
3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Environmental Stewardship Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
INDEPENDENCE DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
30
31
95
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5
6 7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14 15
16
17
18 19
20 21 22
23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
August 2023
3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
96
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4
5
6 7 8 9
10 11 12
13 14 15 16
17 18 19
20
21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
September 2023
3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR 763-509-5080 plymouthmn.gov
SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT
CHANGES ARE MADE IN RED
LABOR DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED
7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
6:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Council Chambers
97