Western Springs May Allow Beekeeping, But With Rules

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – The buzz at this week's Western Springs Village Board meeting was about allowing beekeeping in town.

Village officials, who are considering changes to the local code, heard from a resident who expressed interest in beekeeping.

Under the proposed rules, a beekeeper must undergo the usual building permit process. Beekeeping would only be allowed at single-family houses.

"They would only be allowed two colonies with one apiary," the village's planner, Kelsey Fawell, told the board. "There would be notice on all lot lines. The neighboring property owners would have to approve, and there would have to be registration and insurance done."

Also, beekeepers must be registered with the state and have all necessary inspections done, she said.

Village President Heidi Rudolph said the beekeeping regulations interested her. She said the resident did a "tremendous" amount of research.

"I think that's a great idea, having the beekeeping available and having clear guidance to residents," she said.