By Andi Anderson
Des Plaines officials are considering easing the city's strict limits on beekeeping, primarily citing honeybees' environmental importance.
If the new rules are approved, Des Plaines will join a growing list of suburbs allowing people to keep honeybees in backyard hives.
This change comes a little over a year after the city relaxed restrictions on keeping chickens in coops at home.
Bees and chickens are often linked as municipal issues, and several aldermen highlighted the previous decision as a positive step toward allowing beekeeping.
“I think this is our next step in that direction,” said Third Ward Alderman Sean Oskerka, who requested the council review the regulations.
Bees play a crucial role in our environment and food production. Pati Vitt, director of natural resources for the Lake County Forest Preserve District, explained, “Wild, native bees and managed honeybees both contribute to the pollination of commercial food crops, but wild bees are more effective pollinators for some crops such as pumpkins, cherries, and apples.”
The decline in wild honeybee populations due to diseases and pests has increased the need for managed colonies.
During a recent discussion, Des Plaines Alderman Carla Brookman emphasized bees' importance in food production. “Some people say without bees we just won’t eat,” said Brookman.
Beekeeping is typically a hobby in Illinois, with nearly 72% of beekeepers managing between one and five colonies, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Suburbs like Arlington Heights, Deer Park, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, and Naperville allow beekeeping, with varying rules. Lake Barrington recently lifted its ban in March 2023, requiring beekeepers to register their hives and pay a $25 annual fee.
Currently, Des Plaines only permits beekeeping for educational purposes, with hives required to be at least 250 feet from homes and a limit of four hives per person. Hives must also be registered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
During Monday’s discussion, aldermen overwhelmingly supported allowing more residents to keep apiaries, and they informally directed city staff to draft a new policy. “I’m definitely for this,” said 7th Ward Alderman Patsy Smith. “I would get involved in this.”
Not all council members are ready to fully support the change. First Ward Alderman Mark Lysakowski suggested launching a pilot program in one ward before allowing beekeeping citywide, a proposal Second Ward Alderman Colt Moylan agreed with.
Audience members also shared their views. One man recounted a serious allergic reaction his younger brother had to a bee sting, urging officials to consider safety concerns. Donna Adam, another audience member, thanked the council for considering the change, saying, “The more that people are educated … I think that they will see all the benefits.”
The process of writing and approving the new ordinance could take months, but it marks a significant step toward supporting beekeeping and environmental health in Des Plaines.
Photo Credit: pexels-pixabay
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle