There are lots of reasons the Georgetown Township Planning Commission doesn't want residents to keep beehives in their back yards, but not everyone agrees with them.

After a neighbor complained to Jim Kiel, 1305 Monte Carlo Drive, about his backyard beehive, Kiel approached the township asking the Planning Commission to consider writing an ordinance to cover keeping bees in residential neighborhoods. The request was on the agenda at the Feb. 1 regular meeting.

Township Clerk Richard VanderKlok said beekeeping is already addressed in township ordinances as a use in agricultural districts and in rural residential districts with a special use permit. A draft ordinance was presented as a basis for discussion, but commission members were opposed for a number of reasons.

Commissioner Don Hebler said he had spoken to a half-dozen residents about the possibility of allowing bees in residential neighborhoods. All but one were opposed. Commission members cited the possibility of bee stings, especially to children who may be allergic to stings. Member Steve Hall said he was concerned about possible liability for the township if the uses were approved.

Kiel commented on the need for education about bees, their importance in agriculture, and the difference between honey bees and more aggressive yellow jackets and wasps.

Commission Chairman Greg Honderd encouraged Kiel to consider buying property in a rural residential neighborhood if he is serious about keeping bees. Kiel said he had tried to move his hive to a rural property, but the bees died.

After discussion, the Planning Commission voted unanimously not to initiate an ordinance for keeping bees in a low-density residential neighborhood.