"How do you zone a bee?" Cynthia Sopka, Salisbury Township director of planning and zoning, asked.

"If the state regulates it [beekeeping], how can we regulate it?" Charles Beck, Salisbury Township planning commissioner chairman, asked.

"We can set up the distance from a property line," John W. Ashley, Salisbury Township planning commission solicitor, said.

Planners voted 6 - 0, with one planner absent at the July 14 meeting, to approve zoning amendments regarding honey beekeeping in the township.

Planning Commissioner Dr. William R. Licht made the motion to bring the measure to a vote, seconded by Planning Commissioner Richard Schreiter.

The revised ordinance would state:

"Any area used for the keeping of bees inside a 25-foot setback from all lot lines will require a six-foot-high solid fence or dense foliage shrub between the hive and the property lines. This barrier will be constructed and shaped such that no direct line of flight to a property line is less than 25 feet in length."

The zoning ordinance now states:

"Any area used for the keeping of bees shall be set back a minimum of 30 feet from all lot lines, from any dwelling (other than the residence of the keeper of the bees), and from any street right-of-way. If the bees are kept within 60 feet from such lot line, dwelling or right-of-way, a solid six-feet-high fence shall be placed between the bee-keeping area and such features. Such fence is not intended to be a complete enclosure."

"I think it's fine what you decided," Licht said.

"Yes, thank you," Norma Cusick, a Salisbury Township resident and beekeeper, said.

With the collapse of an estimated 40 percent of beekeeping colonies during summer 2014, maintaining hives is considered an urgent matter for the pollination of flowers, fruits and plants.

Cusick, along with Jan Keim and other township residents, addressed their concerns about beekeeping regulations contained in the new zoning ordinance commissioners approved March 26.

At the March 18 public hearing for the zoning ordinance, beekeepers questioned the distance requirement for a six-foot fence for beehives.

Formation of a committee on beekeeping was recommended at the April 9 township commissioners' workshop.

Members of the beekeeping committee, in addition to Sopka and Cusick, included Steve Finke, president, Lehigh Valley Beekeepers Association and vice president, Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association; Salisbury Township Manager Randy Soriano and township Commissioner Joanne Ackerman, the commissioners' representative to the Salisbury Township Environmental Advisory Council.

Finke addressed the May 12 planning commission meeting and detailed recommended changes to the township ordinance regarding beekeeping.

In other business at the July 14 meeting:

- Sopka updated planners on what she described as "snafus" with the new township zoning ordinance. As one example, she noted accessory buildings and the prohibition of adding a shed. "What's the difference between a shed and a garage?" Sopka asked. She said she will report back at the next planners' meeting. "It's almost like a double-standard," Sopka said. "There is a conflict in the zoning ordinance and it should be clarified," David J. Tettemer, Salisbury Township consulting engineer, said.

- Planners voted 6 - 0 to table:

- A preliminary-final minor subdivision plan at 2120 Mosser St. that is to be conveyed to 2110 Mosser St., to allow access to a garage. "This is a wise choice for them to coordinate. Their garage is basically landlocked. They do not have access," Sopka said. James Weed, a surveyor, represented the property owners. Tettemer read from a July 8 review letter which included 11 items. Ashley recommended an easement be placed on the plan. Tettemer recommended the plan be tabled until details can be "cleaned up." Schreiter moved for tabling of the plan, seconded by Richard Hassick.

- A preliminary-final minor lot subdivision at 1211 Salisbury Road in an R-4 Medium Density Residential District. Tettemer read from a July 8 review letter which included 15 items. Planners voted 8 - 0 to approved three waivers for contour lines, slope shading and street trees and one deferral for sidewalks. Planners also voted 8 - 0 to extend consideration of the plan to Aug. 31. Licht moved for tabling of the plan, seconded by Richard Hassick.

The planning commission next meets 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 in the township municipal building.