§ 106-645.  Limitations on local government regulation of hives.

(a) Notwithstanding Article 6 of Chapter 153A of the General Statutes, no county shall adopt or continue in effect any ordinance or resolution that prohibits any person or entity from owning or possessing five or fewer hives.

(b) Notwithstanding Article 8 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes, a city may adopt an ordinance to regulate hives in accordance with this subsection. The city shall comply with all of the following:

(1) Any ordinance shall permit up to five hives on a single parcel within the land use planning jurisdiction of the city.

(2) Any ordinance shall require that the hive be placed at ground level or securely attached to an anchor or stand. If the hive is securely attached to an anchor or stand, the city may permit the anchor or stand to be permanently attached to a roof surface.

(3) Any ordinance may include regulation of the placement of the hive on the parcel, including setbacks from the property line and from other hives.

(4) Any ordinance may require removal of the hive if the owner no longer maintains the hive or if removal is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

(c) For purposes of this section, the term "hive" has the same definition as in G.S. 106-635(15). (2015-246, s. 8.)