Chapter 6.16
KEEPING OF BEES
Sections:
6.16.010 Keeping of bees.
In compliance with RCW 35.63.300 and 35A.63.320, the keeping of bees is permitted subject to the following requirements:
(a) Honeybee hives must be registered with the State Department of Agriculture per RCW 15.60.021.
(b) Beekeepers shall take at minimum a beginner-level course accredited by the Washington State Beekeeper Association, or a similar course, or have gained experience working under a master beekeeper for at least two years.
(c) Before bees are located on a site, the beekeeper shall obtain a permit from the city and have the hive location and facilities inspected.
(d) A maximum of one hive is allowed if the lot is four thousand five hundred square feet of lot area, except that if a beekeeper serves the community by removing a swarm or swarms from locations where they are not desired, the beekeeper shall not be considered in violation of the maximum number of hives if temporarily housing the swarm in compliance with the standards of practice set out in this chapter for no more than six months from the date acquired.
(e) Hives shall be located at least twenty-five feet from any lot line, with the hive entrance facing away from the nearest property line.
(f) A flyway barrier shall be provided that is at least six feet high and consists of a solid wall, solid fencing material, dense vegetation, or combination thereof. The barrier shall extend beyond the beehive(s) in each direction so that bees are forced to fly at an elevation of at least six feet above ground level in the vicinity of the hive.
(g) Colonies shall be maintained at all times in movable-frame hives no larger than twenty-two inches by sixteen inches.
(h) Adequate space shall be provided in each hive to prevent overcrowding.
(i) The beekeeper shall maintain an adequate supply of water for bees located close to each hive.
(j) Hives shall be identified with a sign that is visible to passersby. Sign lettering shall be a minimum of two inches in height and shall include the owner’s name, state identification number, and telephone number. The sign shall be designed and placed in a manner that makes it conspicuous to anyone approaching the hive.
(k) A hive shall have no more than one queen. The queen shall be replaced every year, and more often if aggressive.
(l) In any instance in which a colony exhibits aggressive or swarming behavior, the beekeeper must ensure that the colony is re-queened. Aggressive behavior is any instance in which unusual aggressive activities such as stinging or attacking without provocation occurs.
(m) The following shall constitute a public nuisance and shall be abated as set forth in Chapter 5.40:
(1) Activities or places not meeting the standards of this chapter;
(2) Abandoned colonies;
(3) Diseased bees;
(4) Bees living in trees, buildings, or other space except movable-frame hives;
(5) Bees that are defensive or exhibit objectionable behavior; or
(6) Bees that interfere with the normal use of property or the enjoyment of persons, animals, or property adjacent to the beehive. (Ord. 1638 § 4, 2025).