Crystal City Council Gives Final Approval To Keeping of Ducks, Bees
The Crystal City Council gave final approval to an ordinance amendment that would allow the keeping of ducks, while adding a section to allow beekeeping.
The final vote occurred at the Nov. 18 city council meeting.
The vote came without much discussion or opposition. At the Nov. 18 meeting, one resident spoke against the idea, while another talked about the benefits of beekeeping during open forum.
Under the revised ordinance, a homeowner could keep up to six chickens or up to six ducks or a maximum combined total of 10. Previously, a homeowner could keep up to four chickens. Ducks had not been included in the previous ordinance.
The updated ordinance requires the animals to be protected in a shelter or coop. It also provides specific instructions on how they are to be maintained, modeled after a fowl and poultry ordinance approved in the city of Richfield.
Crystal Beekeeping Provisions
In addition, the city added a section on beekeeping that would allow homeowners to have up to four hives for lots that are 0.75 acres or less in size. Hives can not be located in front yards and must be placed a minimum of 10 feet from rear or side property lines.
One resident, who identified himself as a beekeeping expert, said bees don’t require much buffer between lot lines because they don’t need much space to fly out of the hive. He said 10 to 15 feet for a flyway is acceptable.
Crystal City Manager Adam Bell noted that the city hasn’t received any complaints about residents who already do beekeeping.
The updated ordinance can be found in the most recent city council packet starting on page 52.
Related: Crystal Gives Initial Okay for Keeping of Ducks, Bees
