Lake County beekeepers seek change in zoning regulation

Beekeepers are buzzing about what they say is an antiquated county regulation that doesn’t apply to a growing practice.

The Lake County Beekeepers Association also says it wants to dispel myths about honeybees, as the benefits of keeping them are getting more attention.

“I think in Lake County there is a strong interest in sustainability and green activity. We’ve had a surge in hobby beekeepers,” said David Bergman, who heads the local group.

On Tuesday, Bergman will make his case to the county’s planning, building and zoning committee to reduce the requirement that beekeeping be limited to five-acre sites in unincorporated areas.

Through the years, club members have gone about their business unencumbered, though county regulations require beekeeping to occur on properties of 200,000 square feet or more.

“This came up about a year ago, when one of our members was approached about the hives on his two-acre property. We were surprised,” said Bergman, a resident of Third Lake. “I’ve never had five acres for bees, nor is it really needed. That’s what’s required for horses.”

When a second club member was notified of the requirement, the beekeepers decided to see what could be done.

“The change we’re requesting is to remove the five-acre requirement and allow something more reasonable,” Bergman said. “Two or three hives in a back yard is not a big deal. It’s more of a neighbor to neighbor issue.”

The requirement applies only to unincorporated areas covered by county zoning rules.

David Husemoller, a senior planner for Lake County, said times are changing and more people are pursuing beekeeping as a hobby.

In a recent report accepted by the county board regarding sustainable building and development practices, beekeeping is listed as one way to increase access to local food sources.

“A lot of these zoning regulations that we’re starting to look at now, especially related to food and farming practices, came about in the `50s,” Husemoller said. “We can still use zoning in a way that allows it, but allow it in a way it’s not a nuisance.”

According to the report, efforts to promote safe and secure local food sources go beyond gardens, and regulations are being relaxed even in urban areas to allow beekeeping.

In an overview written last summer, Bergman notes Lake County had 102 registered beekeepers in 2010 — the fourth largest number in Illinois. Beekeepers also are seen as “critical partners” in the survival of the nation’s honey bees in light of the mysterious and well documented Colony Collapse Disorder.

Five years ago, there may have been 35 members in the Lake County Beekeepers Association but there now are more than 80, he said, adding meetings have become more interesting.

“You normally get 15 die-harders who want to talk about their hobby,” Bergman said. “Suddenly, 65 people show up.”

He also notes bees contribute to local food production and pollinate crops and garden flowers.

Honey bees are able, but rarely sting, and die if they do. They are feared, Bergman contends, because they are often mistaken for the yellow jacket wasp that is aggressive and can sting multiple times without paying the ultimate price.

“You just don’t want people walking in front of their (hive) entrance,” according to Bergman.