Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is promoting a number of green initiatives for the city, including new guidelines for the raising of chickens and honeybees in urban areas. The City Council approved the guidelines last week.
Pittsburgh's planning department says it doesn't know the current extent of urban agriculture there, and hopes the new application process will bring in more information on how many winged beasts are being raised in the city.
Joe Smydo reports:
"While city law previously was silent on the issue of beekeeping, the new guidelines specifically permit the practice. "That's a victory for beekeeping," said Joe Zgurzynski, president of Burgh Bees, a beekeepers' group that already operates a community apiary in Homewood.
Hives may be kept on the ground or rooftop, and the number of hives allowed depends on the size of the property. At least 2,000 square feet of space is required for two hives."
Thanks to Jason Kambitsis
FULL STORY: City establishes rules for urban farms
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