Good news for Parker Colorado | Animals | Forums

let the beekeeping begin! Surprised towns are still banning them.

If residents notice a new buzz around Parker in the coming weeks, they can thank a recently adopted town ordinance clearing the way for backyard bees.

The Town Council unanimously adopted the guidelines at a Sept. 21 meeting. The ordinance, which officially takes effect on Sunday, puts forth the first official rules for residents seeking to keep their own beehives, a practice that was formerly outlawed in Parker, town officials say.

It allows anyone who owns a parcel of land that is 5,000 square feet or larger to keep bees. The larger the parcel, the more colonies property owners will be allowed to keep. A 5,000-square-foot parcel is allowed to have one or two colonies. Quarter-acre parcels can have as many four colonies. The scale continues to grow, until it reaches properties that are 35 acres in size or larger. Properties that size can host an unlimited number of bee colonies provided they are at least 250 feet from the property line.

Numerous Front Range communities allow urban beekeeping, and for those who support it, the benefits are obvious and multiple.

"If someone is a gardener, keeping bees is very beneficial for pollination," said Diane Roth, chairwoman of Parker's Cultural and Scientific Commission and wife of an avid beekeeper. "And you can have your own supply of raw honey. It has all kinds of healthy properties."

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