Bessemer looking into compliance with right to farm act

By CHARITY SMITH

[email protected]

Bessemer — The Bessemer planning commission is reviewing zoning ordinances to make sure the city is compliant with the Right to Farm Act. The commission discussed the law during its regular meeting on Tuesday.

“We have to be sure our zoning is in compliance, because there is old zoning that might be in conflict with the Right to Farm Act,” said councilman Terry Kryshak.

Along with potential zoning issues with the RFA, the commission discussed the possibility of allowing honey bee farms.

Kryshak said the bee farms are just one of the categories of the RFA and the commission is looking into whether or not the city will permit honey bee farms. He said the question is: Does the city’s zoning permit the honey bee farms?

According to Kryshak, honey bee farms are found all over the area.

The commission did not take action on any decisions relating to the RFA.

The commission also:

—Agreed upon a list of items to address next year, with the understanding that additional topics will come up. These items include: the capital improvement plan, monitoring short- term rentals, creating a road plan, creating a comprehensive plan for city hall, and updating zoning pertaining to food.

—Accepted the annual report.