Chapter 8.25
BEEKEEPING
Sections:
8.25.030 Registrations and training.
8.25.010 Where permitted.
Beekeeping is allowed as an accessory use on any lot occupied by a single-family residence that is in the R1 and R2 zones, subject to the requirements outlined below. (Ord. 1192 § 1, 2023; Ord. 1107 § 2, 2016).
8.25.020 Standards.
(a) Location, Density and Maintenance of Colonies.
(1) The number of colonies is limited to two colonies per 5,000 square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of eight colonies; and
(2) Colonies shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet of any property line, except that a colony may be situated within 10 feet of a side lot line or rear lot line provided the following provisions are met:
(A) The beehives are isolated from public access by a security fence; and
(B) The beekeeper establishes and maintains a flyway barrier at least six feet in height consisting of a solid wall, solid fencing material, dense vegetation or combination thereof that is parallel to the property line and extends 10 feet beyond the colony in each direction so that all bees are forced to fly at an elevation of at least six feet above ground level over the property lines in the vicinity of the colony.
(b) Colonies shall be maintained in movable-frame hives with adequate space and management techniques to prevent overcrowding and swarming.
(c) In any instance in which a colony exhibits aggressive or swarming behavior, the beekeeper must ensure that the colony is requeened. Aggressive behavior is any instance in which unusual aggressive characteristics such as stinging or attacking without provocation occurs.
(d) Every beekeeper shall maintain an adequate supply of water for bees located close to each colony. (Ord. 1192 § 1, 2023; Ord. 1107 § 2, 2016).
8.25.030 Registrations and training.
(a) All colonies shall be registered with the director of the State Department of Agriculture pursuant to RCW 15.60.021 no later than April 1st of each year.
(b) The beekeeper is recommended to complete the requirements for apprenticeship level of the Washington State Beekeepers Association master beekeeper certification program or have equivalent training and knowledge. (Ord. 1192 § 1, 2023; Ord. 1107 § 2, 2016).
8.25.040 Owner penalty.
Any owner or owners of beehives mentioned in this chapter who violates the provisions in this chapter shall be deemed committed and shall be punishable as provided herein.
(1) Impound fee – $35.00.
(2) Notification fee – $20.00.
(3) Impound fee – unclaimed – $35.00.
(4) Notification fee – unclaimed – $20.00.
(5) Ordinance violation – first offense – $100.00.
(6) Ordinance violation – second offense within 12 months of first – $150.00.
(7) Ordinance violation – third offense within 12 months of second – $200.00.
(8) Ordinance violation – fourth offense within 12 months of third – $400.00.
(9) Subsequent violations – no time limit – $400.00. (Ord. 1192 § 1, 2023; Ord. 1107 § 2, 2016).