Des Plaines to consider allowing beekeeping

Des Plaines could be buzzing with a new kind of activity if city leaders adopt one resident's idea to allow beekeeping.

“Currently, beehives are considered a nuisance and are not allowed within a quarter mile of any house, church, school or park,” 4th Ward resident Rick Bohning said during Monday's city council meeting. “This requirement effectively makes beehives illegal in Des Plaines.”

Beehives presently are legal in neighboring Mount Prospect and Elk Grove Village, as well as Chicago, Bohning said.

Bohning referenced the city's own sustainability report that suggests promoting farmers market and developing community gardens that would allow residents to produce food for consumption locally. Beekeeping also would serve the city's sustainability goals, he added.

“By allowing the residents to produce honey in their backyards, that is sugar that does not need to be produced and shipped into Des Plaines,” Bohning said. “A whole lot of people are still out of work and the cheapest food is the food you produce in your own backyard. If the city were to strike bees from the nuisance list, maybe it would help a few people at very little cost to the city.”

City officials were receptive to at least exploring the idea further.

Ward 4 Alderman Dick Sayad requested the matter be placed for review on a future committee agenda after getting consensus from the rest of the council. It will then go before the full council for a vote.