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CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT REPORT
JUNE 16, 2020
3. Docket No. PZ-2020-00068 OA: Beekeeping Ordinance Standards.
The applicant seeks to amend the Unified Development Ordinance in order to establish standards and definitions
for Beekeeping. Filed by the Department of Community Services on behalf of the Carmel Plan Commission.
Project Overview:
The purpose of this proposal is to establish beekeeping standards in residential districts. Please view the informational
packet for the proposed ordinance.
The proposed standards are based upon the beekeeping standards recently adopted in Fishers. In the past, DOCS was able
to handle the occasional inquiry on a case by case basis, by recommending a few best practices in spacing, setbacks,
screening and communication with neighbors. However, as beekeeping has become more popular, beekeeping questions
and activity have increased over the last couple of years. In fact, the increased activity and the importance of beekeeping
compelled legislation in 2019 which preempts local municipalities from prohibiting beekeeping. There has never been
any intent to prohibit beekeeping in Carmel, but standards are needed to manage the size and location of hives in
residential districts. Standards will give much needed guidance to our planning and code enforcement staff as they
navigate questions from aspiring beekeepers, current beekeepers and their neighbors.
Recommendation:
The Department of Community Services recommends the Plan Commission sends this item to the Residential
Committee meeting in July for further review and discussion.