By Nora Hertel, Madison Commons Reporter
Until now, beekeeping in Madison was technically illegal. Nevertheless, dozens in the city have tried to keep their bees under the radar.
According to Matt Tucker, the zoning administrator for the City of Madison, keeping bees has been like stacking firewood on your property. The city does not condone the activity, but it only becomes an issue if the neighbors complain.
But a new ordinance, passed on Feb. 28, permits, even encourages, Madison residents to keep bees as part of an effort to promote local, urban agriculture.
Officially called Section 9.53, the change comes as an amendment to chapter 28 of the Madison General Ordinances of the conservancy, agriculture, and residential districts.
Proponents see the ordinance as part of a broader urban farming movement.