Slightly OT, but I'm allergic to bee stings and a former(!) beekeeper. I'd have no problem with my neighbour keeping bees, and I'm in the UK where plots are tiny. Unless you're right next to the hive, most bees aren't going to bother you. A fence is enough to keep them away: they fly up and over it, then most of them will fly right over your garden. A few will stop to pollinate your plants for free. Bees aren't like wasps: they don't sting unless you're threatening the hive or about to crush them. Don't fear the bees!