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Commissioner O'Connor inquired if there would be any consideration for more than two hives for R -1 -zoned properties that are substantial in size, such as over so many square feet. Ms. Amos replied that staff looked at evaluating what other cities have done in terms of minimum lot sizes in relation to having more than two hives; staff found that this would be more cumbersome and complicated and that it would be more balanced if the restriction would be the number of hives per property versus limiting the number of hives based on lot size. She indicated, however, that the Commission may feel that the number of hives ought to be based on a minimum lot size, such that someone with a half -acre or 20,000- square -foot lot, for example, could potentially have two to four hives. Commissioner O'Connor stated that if the limit is two hives per property, a detached townhome with a very, very small lot would be allowed two hives, the same as someone else who might have a half -acre or full -acre lot. He inquired if there would be a provision to get some latitude in the City to approve more than two hives for larger lot sizes. Ms. Amos replied that the Commission could consider that. Mr. Weinstein stated that staff is proceeding a little bit cautiously and feels that this is a reasonable starting point for beekeeping as a new endeavor in the City. He indicated that staff wants to be cognizant of neighbors' issues concerning beekeeping and to make sure that commercial production of honey and commercial -sized beekeeping is not established in the City, at least at this initial stage. He added that, as Ms. Amos mentioned, staff also looked at several cities with established beekeeping ordinances, and they typically allow around two hives per lot regardless of lot size. Acting Chair Ritter inquired if the water source should be within ten feet of the hive or not in excess of ten feet. Ms. Amos replied that it should be within ten feet. Acting Chair Ritter referred to a statement in the staff report that a beekeeping permit would not be granted if a neighbor objects due to a life- threatening allergy to honey bees and inquired why it did not say further that the application would be considered for a hearing or evaluation. Ms. Amos replied that that section was added, as shown in the staff memo, as a result of an earlier staff discussion. She stated that if a neighbor says he /she is allergic to bees, staff would evaluate the application, and if the permit is denied, the applicant has the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Balch clarified that if a neighbor objects to the application during the noticing period because of a reasonable medical claim, there is an avenue for the applicant to appeal. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, January 28, 2015 Page 4 of 17