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4. LA21-000019 TODD ZIESMER, 3440 BAYSIDE RD, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (STAFF: <br />LAURA OAKDEN) <br /> <br />Todd Ziesmer, Applicant, was present. <br /> <br />Staff presented a summary packet of information. The Applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit <br />(CUP) to allow honey bees on their property. Planning Department Staff is recommending approval. The <br />definition for farm animals includes honey bees and farm animals require a CUP in the LR1A district <br />meeting City code standards and those conditions are lot size and setbacks. The Applicant is proposing to <br />have 2-4 hives with a maximum of 6. City code is silent on number of hives allowed. The Applicant has <br />been coordinating with the University of Minnesota bee squad to find the best fit appropriate for their size <br />and location of property. A narrative is included in the exhibits with additional information from the <br />Applicant. Regarding setbacks, one of the conditions for the CUP is that all animal structures are required <br />to be 75 feet from all property lines and 150 feet from adjacent homes. The Applicant submitted a site plan <br />indicating all these setbacks are met with the proposed location. Another requirement of the CUP is that 1 <br />acre of their land is dedicated to dwelling and 1 acre is dedicated for each animal unit. This is just over 2 <br />acres in size so Staff feels this is met. All conditions outlined by the City code are met with no adverse <br />impacts anticipated for the use of hives and honey bees. The Applicant submitted comments of support <br />from the neighbors and the issues for consideration, if the Planning Commission finds it necessary to impose <br />any additional conditions in order to mitigate any potential impacts by allowing this CUP. <br /> <br />Ressler clarified this is a CUP, setbacks are being met per code, and there is support from the neighbors. <br /> <br />Oakden replied that is correct. <br /> <br />Todd Ziesmer, 3440 Bayside Road, said it is very straightforward, no variances, everything complies, and <br />he is looking forward to his new hobby. He sent out letters introducing the project to 8-9 of his neighbors <br />and has received very positive feedback. One neighbor had just a few questions and the primary concern <br />some have about bees is them being a nuisance. He wants to clarify that honey bees are very different than <br />wasps. Honey bees forage on natural plants, nectar, and pollen, so they will not be bothering the <br />hummingbird feeder, oils, jellies, and when sitting outside honey bees stick to the flowers and the plants. <br />Mr. Ziesmer noted they are amazing and he and his wife have been contemplating it for a couple of years. <br />They are enrolled in the University of Minnesota bee squad online program and it is very fascinating. All <br />neighbors that have responded have said they are looking forward to the bees helping out all of the gardens <br />and flowers. <br /> <br />Erickson noted Mr. Ziesmer may want to go up to 6 hives and asked if he would be comfortable with a <br />limitation of not more than 6. <br /> <br />Ms. Ziesmer would be fine with that, yes. <br /> <br />Chair Ressler opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. <br /> <br />The neighbor two doors down Ms. Solie, 3500 Bayside Rd, noted she received the letter, she is totally in <br />support of it, and thinks it is fantastic. She is very much in favor. <br /> <br />Chair Ressler closed the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. <br /> <br />Ressler said setbacks are met, neighbors are in support, and there is a recommendation from Erickson to <br />limit to 6 hives which he thinks is smart because if it turns into a larger operation the Commission can <br />revisit it.