Author Topic: Code enforcement says the girls have to go (Read 8930 times)

DennisD · « **on:** November 20, 2008, 02:09:58 pm »

This morning, I got a strange visit from the county code enforcement. I live in a small mountain community and have as what is a very rural home with a smal back yard, behind that is miles upon miles of national forest. My hives sit in my back yard to the north. To the south is a nasty neighbor I have not heard from in a few years, but apparently he called code enforcement on me. Who knew that an amateur beekeeper had to have 20,000 square feet of property to keep a single hive. So, code enforcement says the bees have to go.

No big deal, the commercial beek that has been helping me is perfectly willing to share his farms with me for a place for my bees to live. Although I am sufficiently annoyed about the matter I might just end up giving my bees and wooden ware away to him. So, apparently CCD is not the only reason bees are scarce in the county, the county's land use laws also play a part in it. Wild hive in my tree would have been OKAY! But because they are kept in a wooden box BY ME is not.

Funny, huh?

Keith13 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2008, 02:15:41 pm »

No its not funny its sad. Nothing infuriates me more than when one neighbor puts his nose in another's business. From what I have followed from when you first went to get your hive you tried to do the right thing and not endanger anyone it is a shame you have to deal with some jerk. Don't give up on your bees move them if you have to but continue to enjoy them.

Keith

Sean Kelly · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2008, 03:23:40 pm »

What I think is funny is how an organization or government can tell us how to live our lives. I'm sure we will be seeing more of this Nazi behavior now that we elected socialism into the White House.

Sorry about your bees man, that's my worst nightmare. I have a next door neighbor who is just like that but thankfully they are really into nature and absolutely love that I keep bees. It's actually helped heal some of our issues. Did you give them any honey or beeswax candles? You really should give them some now and tell them, "Every time you taste this last bit of my bee's honey, I want you to think of the shame you've placed on yourself and the pain you've caused me.... make it last!"

lol

Again, my sympathy.

Sean Kelly

Irwin · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2008, 04:08:31 pm »

Sorry to hear that :'( Karma will get them :evil: And please keep your bee's and hang out here on the Beemaster forms.

Jerrymac · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2008, 04:09:01 pm »

How big is your lot?

BjornBee · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2008, 05:16:34 pm »

Sorry to hear about your neighbor.

Get an observation hive... ;)

DennisD · « **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2008, 05:18:58 pm »

Quote from: Jerrymac on November 20, 2008, 04:09:01 pm

How big is your lot?

I honestly don't know. It's not small nor large, I don't know how to describe it, really.

DennisD · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2008, 05:27:14 pm »

Quote from: Sean Kelly on November 20, 2008, 03:23:40 pm

What I think is funny is how an organization or government can tell us how to live our lives. I'm sure we will be seeing more of this Nazi behavior now that we elected socialism into the White House.

Sorry about your bees man, that's my worst nightmare. I have a next door neighbor who is just like that but thankfully they are really into nature and absolutely love that I keep bees. It's actually helped heal some of our issues. Did you give them any honey or beeswax candles? You really should give them some now and tell them, "Every time you taste this last bit of my bee's honey, I want you to think of the shame you've placed on yourself and the pain you've caused me.... make it last!"

lol

Again, my sympathy.

Sean Kelly

No, the neighbor isn't deserving of any gifts from me. A few years ago, I sent his son in law to prison as he thought at 20 years old it would be really fun to expose himself to my then 3 year old daughter. He was already on parole, so, his PO sent him back over the complaint. Since then, I had recieved many visits from code enforcement from everything ranging to my trashcans being too close to the street, to too many cars in front of my house, we own three. (We're allowed 3) He's even called Child Protective Services on me (unfounded, interviewer was VERY cool and rated out my neighbor), he'll call the police when a car parks on "his" side of the street, etc. He's a blow hard, I ignore him. Essentially, he' an unemployed guy that says at home while his wife supports him, that equates to way too much time on his hands to concern himself with my daily living.

Eh, his efforts are wasted, no matter how many times he calls code enforcement on me, his son in law is STILL in prison and will have to register as a sex offender when he gets out for the rest of his life. I'v got to move my bees once, his daughter's hubby will always be a CHESTER. This guy must be proud of his Son In law.

BeeHopper · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2008, 05:50:01 pm »

Quote from: DennisD on November 20, 2008, 05:27:14 pm

Quote from: Sean Kelly on November 20, 2008, 03:23:40 pm
What I think is funny is how an organization or government can tell us how to live our lives. I'm sure we will be seeing more of this Nazi behavior now that we elected socialism into the White House.

Sorry about your bees man, that's my worst nightmare. I have a next door neighbor who is just like that but thankfully they are really into nature and absolutely love that I keep bees. It's actually helped heal some of our issues. Did you give them any honey or beeswax candles? You really should give them some now and tell them, "Every time you taste this last bit of my bee's honey, I want you to think of the shame you've placed on yourself and the pain you've caused me.... make it last!"

lol

Again, my sympathy.

Sean Kelly

No, the neighbor isn't deserving of any gifts from me. A few years ago, I sent his son in law to prison as he thought at 20 years old it would be really fun to expose himself to my then 3 year old daughter. He was already on parole, so, his PO sent him back over the complaint. Since then, I had recieved many visits from code enforcement from everything ranging to my trashcans being too close to the street, to too many cars in front of my house, we own three. (We're allowed 3) He's even called Child Protective Services on me (unfounded, interviewer was VERY cool and rated out my neighbor), he'll call the police when a car parks on "his" side of the street, etc. He's a blow hard, I ignore him. Essentially, he' an unemployed guy that says at home while his wife supports him, that equates to way too much time on his hands to concern himself with my daily living.

Eh, his efforts are wasted, no matter how many times he calls code enforcement on me, his son in law is STILL in prison and will have to register as a sex offender when he gets out for the rest of his life. I'v got to move my bees once, his daughter's hubby will always be a CHESTER. This guy must be proud of his Son In law.

DennisD,

Sorry that you are subjected to the whims of a Loser. Your neighbor is bent on making your life miserable, so please keep a very close eye on him, he sounds like an unstable individual. I hope you'll have a change of heart and continue to keep bees, they need us.

BH

Shawn · « **Reply #9 on:** November 20, 2008, 06:24:47 pm »

Have you seen the code on paper? Are they just saying they have to go because someone made a complaint? I would check into the laws first. Somtimes law enforcement will say something hoping the poeple go along with it, kind of like a bluff. Is that illegal, no. I dont like to use bluffs because sometimes people will call your bluff then you look stupid.

Kathyp · « **Reply #10 on:** November 20, 2008, 08:41:44 pm »

20,000 ft is not that much land. .46 acre.

if you have a good size lot, you may have that much.

Cindi · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2008, 09:29:45 pm »

Quote

A few years ago, I sent his son in law to prison as he thought at 20 years old it would be really fun to expose himself to my then 3 year old daughter. He was already on parole, so, his PO sent him back over the complaint.

Well Dennis, I am very happy that you reported this sick dude, he has no place to expose himself to a young child, that be sick, and he is where he deserves to be. And when he gets out, tough tiddy that he has to register himself as a sex offender, he is!!!

I would check out what Kathy said about the 20,000 square feet being .46 of an acre, maybe you do have that much area and could keep your bees home, that would be good, don't give up on bees, you have come too far!!! Have a wonderful and awesome day, great life, Cindi

BEES4U · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2008, 10:55:28 pm »

A very rural home with a smal back yard, behind that is miles upon miles of national forest.

Here is a suggestion.
Contact the National Forrest Service or the local BLM and get a permit to place your bees at a new location.

Or, on the other hand:
300' X 60' = 18.000 square feet.
An acre of land is 43,560 square feet or round it up to 44,000 square feet.
18,000/44000 = 0.41
300' X 70' = 21,000
21,000/44,000 = 0.477
Good luck,
Ernie

suprstakr · « **Reply #13 on:** November 20, 2008, 10:59:54 pm »

Go to the forestry and get permit to keep bees on their land and keep them on their side of the fence. :-D :-D :-D

DennisD · « **Reply #14 on:** November 20, 2008, 11:12:52 pm »

Quote from: Shawn on November 20, 2008, 06:24:47 pm

Have you seen the code on paper? Are they just saying they have to go because someone made a complaint? I would check into the laws first. Somtimes law enforcement will say something hoping the poeple go along with it, kind of like a bluff. Is that illegal, no. I dont like to use bluffs because sometimes people will call your bluff then you look stupid.

Yes, the Code Enforcement officer was good enough to show me the code section and allow me to read it.

Scadsobees · « **Reply #15 on:** November 20, 2008, 11:35:40 pm »

Most places have a township or town board that will grant variances if it is worth it to you. Letter of the law maybe, but if they hear what a dope your neighbor is maybe they will be sympathetic.

Regardless of code, I'd always be keeping 3 or 4 or more empty hives in the back yard, as well as faithfully attending them in the summer, and occasionally running away from the empty hives screaming bloody murder.

CHESTER, heh...not sure what that means, but really, trying that to a 3 year old he's lucky he's not a SIXFEETUNDER.

I'm sorry for you with all this with your neighbor. Too bad those kind are out there.

Cindi · « **Reply #16 on:** November 21, 2008, 09:53:00 am »

Quote from: Scadsobees on November 20, 2008, 11:35:40 pm

trying that to a 3 year old he's lucky he's not a SIXFEETUNDER..

Agreed, 100%. Cindi

Damonh · « **Reply #17 on:** November 21, 2008, 10:13:53 am »

Put the bees into a tree. look at the bee culture magazine I think October. Hope you know someone that can carve.

KONASDAD · « **Reply #18 on:** November 21, 2008, 03:54:47 pm »

I would also check the date this code was enacted. If it is AFTER the date you placed hives, you are grandfathered in constitutionally. The date of enactment is usually contained in the small print at bottom of statute, or the very top, just underr title.

Find neighbor who has 20,000sqft close to bad neighbor.
Seek use varience- which will be hard since your neighbor will have to agree in all likelihood

Kathyp · « **Reply #19 on:** November 21, 2008, 06:31:59 pm »

chester as in 'chester the molester'.

Jerrymac · « **Reply #20 on:** November 21, 2008, 11:20:27 pm »

I thought it was misspelled "shyster"

ikeepbees · « **Reply #21 on:** November 22, 2008, 11:03:45 am »

Disappointed for you, Dennis. Disappointed that there are people like your neighbor and his son-in-law in this world stealing our oxygen. Disappointed that you have to deal with him. And disappointed that your local code prohibits bees on a small lot even in "a small mountain community" with "a very rural home."

I encourage you to ensure your lot is not large enough before moving the bees. I also encourage you to seek a variance. If you can't get a variance, run for County Commissioner and work on changing the code. And should you end up moving them, I really like the idea of maintaining empty hives at the old location. Wear your bee gear when mowing around them. Put your gear on and go out and smoke them and open the tops occasionally.

Best of luck, and I'd love to hear occasional updates on what happens.

BjornBee · « **Reply #22 on:** November 22, 2008, 11:23:14 am »

DennisD,
Variances are granted IF no complaints or concerns are found. Many times, variances include posting the variance request for some number of houses around the property requesting it. So this will allow the neighbor(s) in question to speak against the variance as well as seek support from others. And sometimes it does not take much to get people to sign a petition when fear is thrown in. And from my experience, if any objections are brought forth, the variance is denied. The township board is not going to or will want to, assume responsibility or liability for future problems AFTER requesting a variance be granted when open concern is brought forward. Chances are that 99% of such matters will be denied.

Personally, I think I'd be looking for another home. Studies have shown that a good number of molesters have also been molested, and come families with serious problems. Everything from child abuse, to drugs, to cruelty to animals. The son may be locked up, but the family, and the actions of the other family members should put up a red flag. There is no doubt a connection with the son's problems that landed him in jail, and the family as a whole. I would like to say you should move due to being able to keep bees in peace, but feel that other concerns are warrented.

EasternShore · « **Reply #23 on:** November 22, 2008, 11:57:00 am »

People who hurt kids in this area are subject to " Good Ol' Boy Justice". Gotta love rural Maryland... I've got a small house he's welcome to come stay at....hehe...with 500000 Bees out back....and..well honey to share....god...I could SO go on and on....

And folks..please keep your political views to a seperate area. I do.
Mark

Brian D. Bray · « **Reply #24 on:** November 22, 2008, 08:28:59 pm »

Just a note on grandfathering: Keeping a bee hive on your premises whether it contains bees or not, or only some of the time, the claim can legally be made that a bee hive has existed on the premises from when ever the hive was originally placed. Code enforcers, like everyone eslse, seldom approach a hive close enough to distinguish individual bees. Also where a hive exists it is assumed that bees reside there, even if the hive is vacant.
The wording here is important...."I've had a bee hive in my back yard for years," can be just that, a hive no bees.

If talk starts about enacting ordinances on restricting bee hives in your community, put a hive or 2 on your property whether they contain bees or not. Your "bee hive" is then grandfathered.

The empty hive, on occasion, will attract a swarm.

johnnybigfish · « **Reply #25 on:** November 22, 2008, 11:36:51 pm »

I got an idea for you Dennis...
Ignore the ordinance.....Wait till a second time, or even a third, until they give you a ticket...if its cheap, pay it...If its jail time...hmmmm..call the newspaper or, better yet, the TV station. Then you can tell them about the plight of the honeybees!..and then,...Tell us to write letters to your mayor or city council..I'll write a letter for you!
...Maybe you can even get other nabors to write letters saying that they like the bees.
Or,....you can make a small shed, put the hives in the shed, and let the bees go in and out the shed so the creepys cant see a hive.
Then again,.....Maybe the cops wont come back anyways...Maybe they like you and know the nabor is bad.

your friend,
john

Kathyp · « **Reply #26 on:** November 23, 2008, 02:03:02 am »

did you ever get a measurement on your property??

political comments: the mods crack the whip if we get out of line. other than that, we comment or ignore. our choice. they do a remarkably good job given that some of us are down right ornery at times :evil:

Jim134 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 23, 2008, 05:14:46 am »

In MA. it will tell you the square feet of the property on the tax bill you pay tax on.

How about your state :?

Can you Contact the National Forrest Service and asks if you can get a permit for beekeeping in the National Forrest :?

Hope to hear occasional updates on what happens.

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

DayValleyDahlias · « **Reply #28 on:** November 23, 2008, 03:44:17 pm »

DennisD,

That is a bummer. I am so sorry to hear you have such a grumpy neighbor. His life must be so painful, that he has to share his pain with everyone else.

How does he know about your bees? Can he see the hives?

I sure hope you can take some of the good advice our forum family has to offer to you, and that you can keep the bees nearby!

S

reinbeau · « **Reply #29 on:** November 23, 2008, 06:35:05 pm »

Quote from: kathyp on November 23, 2008, 02:03:02 am

did you ever get a measurement on your property??

political comments: the mods crack the whip if we get out of line. other than that, we comment or ignore. our choice. they do a remarkably good job given that some of us are down right ornery at times :evil:

I'm still trying to find out where anyone brought politics into this thread :?

BjornBee · « **Reply #30 on:** November 23, 2008, 09:02:57 pm »

Quote from: reinbeau on November 23, 2008, 06:35:05 pm

Quote from: kathyp on November 23, 2008, 02:03:02 am
did you ever get a measurement on your property??

political comments: the mods crack the whip if we get out of line. other than that, we comment or ignore. our choice. they do a remarkably good job given that some of us are down right ornery at times :evil:
I'm still trying to find out where anyone brought politics into this thread :?

Reply #2..... ;)

reinbeau · « **Reply #31 on:** November 23, 2008, 09:27:14 pm »

Quote from: BjornBee on November 23, 2008, 09:02:57 pm

Reply #2..... ;)

Ah, gotcha, although that was days ago! :) Other than agreeing with it I'll be good and not comment further :evil:

Cindi · « **Reply #32 on:** November 24, 2008, 10:13:55 am »

Quote from: EasternShore on November 22, 2008, 11:57:00 am

People who hurt kids in this area are subject to " Good Ol' Boy Justice". Gotta love rural Maryland... I've got a small house he's welcome to come stay at....hehe...with 500000 Bees out back....and..
Mark

I like that, the best comment here so far....wish there was more "rural" justice.....have that wonderful and awesome day, Cindi