Application Requirements
A beekeeping license application must include:
- A site plan and hive plan with the locations and specifics of the hives.
- Setbacks from all property lines and structures, including those on adjacent properties.
- Appearance and location of required signage.
- Evidence of completion of the “Beekeeping in Northern Climates Course” from the University of Minnesota or a comparable institution.
- Bee Management Plan: This plan shall include details on plans for swarm management, mite and disease treatment, and native pollinator preservation.
- The name and contact information of the proposed beekeeper, if it is different than the homeowner.
- Signature of the property owner, verifying all included information.
- License Fee: A $100 fee must be submitted with the Beekeeping Application. The license holder must re-apply every two years to maintain a valid license.
Plan Revisions: Any edits made to the beekeeping plan requires a new application and license from the city.
Hive Requirements
- Location: A beekeeping license will only be granted for use in RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3, single-family detached PUD, I-1, I-2, 1-3, P-I zoning districts, and on city-owned properties regardless of zoning designation.
- For single-family residential districts, colonies must be located in either side or rear yards, with a minimum 20-foot setback from side and rear property lines.
- For industrial districts, colonies must be located on rooftops, with a minimum 20-foot setback from property lines.
- For P-I and city-owned properties, colonies may be located on the ground or on rooftops, with a minimum 20-foot setback from property lines and public trails.
- All hives shall have a minimum 25-foot setback from any kenneled or otherwise restrict animal, whether on the premises or an adjacent property.
- Number of Hives: For single-family residential districts, 2 hives are allowed at initial license submission with potential to increase to 4 in the spring to accommodate hive expansion. For all other districts, 8 hives are allowed at initial license submission with the potential to increase to 16 hives in the spring to accommodate hive expansion. Each grouping of 16 hives must be at least 1 mile from any other 16 hives.
- Water Source: An appropriate water source must be provided within 10 feet of any hive unless a natural water source exists within 25 feet.
- Warning Signage: For industrial districts, signage shall be required near the rooftop access point(s). For P-I and city-owned properties, signage shall be required near the hives and near any public trails or lot line within 25 feet of the hives. Required signage shall indicate beehives are located on the property, have lettering a minimum of 3 inches tall, be clearly visible, be constructed of weatherproof material, and be securely fastened. No separate sign permit is required.
- Neighborhood Beekeeping: HOA-maintained common spaces in single-family subdivisions are eligible for a beekeeping license if all other requirements of this section are met, and one main beekeeper is identified as an ongoing point of contact, with their contact information securely attached to the hives.
Renewals and Maintenance
After submitting a license application, the process that follows shall mimic the process for Home Occupations under Section 21145.
Honey Sales: Any honey sales from the home would require a separate Home Occupation license, per Section 22145. Residents must also comply with any regulations set by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Dairy and Food Inspection Division.
Inspections: The city reserves the right to inspect beekeeping operations for compliance at any time. If the resident is found to be out of compliance with the regulations of their license, the city reserves the right to suspend or revoke any license, in accordance with the procedures in Section 1005.
Apply for a Beekeeping License
