Bees in Golden Valley? Recent Request Spurs Council Discussion

Chickens were not the only topic of discussion Tuesday as Golden Valley City Councilmembers sat down during their council/manager meeting.

Related: Environmental Commission Says ‘Yes’ To Chickens in Golden Valley

According to council documents, a recent request to allow for beekeeping in Golden Valley forced councilmembers to looked harder at the definition of an animal.

Documents show that Councilmember DeDe Scanlon asked to possibly broaden the definition to include reptiles, rodents and amphibians.

Councilmember Steve Schmigdall said that urban agriculture needs to be thoroughly reviewed and could include not only the ownership of chickens, but also goats and bees.

According to the League of Minnesota Cities, cities have broad authority to work appropriate language into ordinances to allow for certain types of animal ownership.  

In an email to Patch, Mayor Shep Harris said that the council would have more discussions about chickens and animals in coming meetings.

“We're going to see some additional revisions on chickens and animals before it goes to a formal Council meeting,” Harris wrote.