Chapter 6.20
RESIDENTIAL BEEKEEPING
Sections:
6.20.010 Title.
6.20.020 Purpose.
6.20.030 Definitions.
6.20.040 Standards.
6.20.050 Enforcement responsibility and authority.
6.20.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known as the Marion County residential beekeeping ordinance. [Ord. 1409 § 1, 2019.]
6.20.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for the keeping of honey bees for personal use, on certain residentially zoned properties under Marion County jurisdiction. This chapter establishes standards and enforcement authority. [Ord. 1409 § 2, 2019.]
6.20.030 Definitions.
“Bees” means honey-producing insects of the genus Apis and includes the adults, eggs, larvae, pupae, and other immature stages thereof, together with such materials as are deposited into hives by their adults except honey and beeswax in rendered form, excluding African honey bees.
“Community garden” means a lot or parcel of land gardened collectively by a group of people or gardened individually in individual allotments.
“Hive” means any receptacle or container made or prepared for use of bees, or box or similar container taken possession of by bees. [Ord. 1409 § 3, 2019.]
6.20.040 Standards.
Bees may be kept at any residence, community garden, or on any lot owned by a school, governmental agency or religious organization on properties zoned single-family residential (RS) or urban development (UD) in Marion County subject to the following standards and limitations:
A. Maximum Number of Hives.
1. For lots up to 5,000 square feet, one hive; provided, however, the maximum number of hives may be temporarily increased to two only during the months of April through August of each calendar year to accommodate the formation of additional hives through the splitting of existing hives or collection of swarms.
2. For lots between 5,001 feet and 20,000 feet, three hives; provided, however, the maximum number of hives may be temporarily increased to four only during the months of April through August of each calendar year to accommodate the formation of additional hives through the splitting of existing hives or collection of swarms.
3. For lots greater than 20,000 feet, five hives; provided, however, the maximum number of hives may be temporarily increased to seven only during the months of April through August of each calendar year to accommodate the formation of additional hives through the splitting of existing hives or collection of swarms.
B. Hives shall comply with the setback requirements of the zone in which they are located. Where a main building is located on a property, hives shall be located in the side or rear yard.
C. If a hive is located within 25 feet of a property line, either:
1. A flyaway barrier at least six feet in height shall be maintained parallel to the property line for a minimum of 10 feet in either direction of the hive. The flyaway barrier shall consist of a wall, fence, dense vegetation or a combination thereof; or
2. The hive shall be elevated a minimum of 10 feet above ground level.
D. A constant supply of water shall be provided for the bees within 15 feet of each hive on the property where the bees are located.
E. Each beekeeper shall ensure that no bee comb or wax is left upon the property grounds to prevent robbing from other bees and attracting predators.
F. Hives shall be maintained in a condition such that the bees do not produce noise or odor that creates a nuisance for adjacent properties.
G. If a hive or group of hives is located at a community garden or on any lot owned by a school, government agency, or religious organization, a sign warning of hives shall be installed at the primary public entrance to the property. Warning signs shall be at least 10 inches by 10 inches. [Ord. 1409 § 4, 2019.]
6.20.050 Enforcement responsibility and authority.
A. Upon receipt of a complaint, this chapter shall be enforced pursuant to Chapter 1.25 MCC.
B. Bees that are not kept as provided in MCC 6.20.040 shall be deemed a public nuisance under Chapters 1.25 and 8.10 MCC. [Ord. 1409 § 5, 2019.]