Responding to HOA's request to remove beehives

[frank]

I live in High Point within city limits and have been keeping bees for four years now. Never had a complaint from my neighbours or others so far. I did also check with my neighbors whether anyone had allergies before starting beekeeping. At this time I have 9 colonies and a nuc, and have no plans to keep more than 9 colonies but I like to break them down to nucs (about 20) for overwintering in August.

The other day I received a letter from my HOA asking that I should remove my beehives in 20 days as the covenants indicate that no livestock, poultry etc. cannot be kept.

I know that the "North Carolina Bee and Honey Act of 1977" and “Local Government Regulatory Reform of 2015” (House Bill 44) prohibits cities and counties from enforcing any ordinance or resolution that prohibits folks from owning or operating five or fewer beehives. I am planning to include a brief information about the importance of pollinators and honey bees along with links to these legislation. It also appears that City of High Point doesn't have any ordinances regulating beehives. As I understand, the HOA cannot enforce their covenants.

I appreciate any feedback. Thanks

[Jacobs]

You need to seek a consultation with an attorney who does land use/HOA law. What rights you can contract away and whether you have contracted away the "right" to keep bees is a complicated situation.