POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

Allows for and creates regulations and permitting process for beekeeping in residential areas. Requires an annual permit, plus notification to neighbors with an opportunity to object. Allows up to six hives to be kept on the property. Honey produced by the hives can't be sold on the property unless a conditional permit is obtained.

Background Information

State Wisconsin
Jurisdiction Name Black Earth
Jurisdiction Type Other, .
Population Size Under 5,000 People
Legal Strategies
  • Expressly allows something
  • Requires something, sets standards
Reach Community-wide
Food System Category Grow;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
No

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
Unclear

States that "honeybee hives support a healthy urban food supply." § 100-8 (A)(1).

Environmental linkage?
Yes

Refers to the importance of honeybees as pollinators for wildlife that depend on them as a food source and for the plants they consume. § 100-8 (A)(1).

Economic linkage?
No

Includes findings?
Yes

"The Village Board finds that honeybee pollination is important to wildlife that depend on honeybees for a food source and as pollinators of the plants they consume. Further, honeybee hives support a healthy urban food supply." § 100-8 (A)(1).

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Unclear

There is not a specific section called purpose or intent, but the provision indicates that the purpose is to allow "honeybees [to] be kept on any lot, regardless of zoning, subject to the limitations set forth [in the provision]." § 100-8 (A)(1).

Includes definitions?
Yes

§ 100-8(D)

Addresses implementation?
Yes

Permits must be obtained from the Village Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer and renewed annually. The Village Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer must also notify residents within 200 feet of permit applicant's property that the application has been filed. If more than 50% of the neighbors object, or if a neighbor has documented proof that they are allergic to bees, the permit will be denied. § 100-8 (B)(1)-(3).

Enforcement provisions?
Yes

"Violations shall be subject to the penalties set forth in § 1-4 of the Village Ordinances." § 100-8 (B)(4).

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
No

Code context and ordinance history

Part II, General Legislation; Chapter 100, Animals; Article III, Restrictions on Keeping Dogs, Cats and Other Animals; 100-8, Beekeeping. History: Added 3-1-2016 by Ord. No. 07-02-2015.

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