The Buzz Over A Bee Hive In Lakewood Neighborhood
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4)- Urban farming is a growing trend across the metro area but one aspect has some neighbors buzzing and government employees claim it's the single most divisive zoning issue they encounter.
Wayne Dougherty calls a quiet cul-de-sac in south Lakewood home. Three years ago, some concerning neighbors moved in just down the street-- thousands of honeybees. The backyard beehive is legal in Lakewood because of an urban agricultural ordinance that allows residents to have beehives, ducks and even dwarf goats.
Stacie Oulton with the City of Lakewood said out of all the issues and concerns associated with new zoning regulations, the urban farming created the most conflict.
Dougherty said he is severely allergic to bees and is worried about them being so close to a public path that runs behind his neighbor's properly line.
"The major concern is people walking on the walkway behind there. When the bees start to swarm they get out of control. You never know where they're going to end up," said Dougherty.
Lakewood code enforcement officers did inspect the backyard bee high rise in question and told CBS4 it is within regulations.
Although bee keeping is allowed, Lakewood said the concerns prompted the ordinance to be altered last year.
Now future bee hives must be at least 25 feet away from public paths. The hive at the center of concern will remain where it is because it was there before the ordinance was changed.
Because Lakewood won't force the owners the bee hive to move it, Dougherty said he feels trapped in his home most days because of the fear of being stung.
The City of Lakewood has a list of requirements that residents must meet before they can start a hive.
Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.
