Beehives generally have an opening at the bottom to allow the workers in and out. Are you sure they are not filing cabinets and you are letting your fear guide your judgement?
Best thing would be to just make a friendly inquiry and let them know that hubby is allergic if they are hives.They may locate them in another spot after that. Most bee keepers transport their hives to locations that are close to a source of nectar, so they are often moving them around into regional areas.