7.04.154 Beekeeping.
Beekeeping is subject to the following requirements:
A. No more than four hives per lot shall be allowed in areas zoned R-l, R-2, or R-3, and no more than two hives per lot shall be allowed in areas zoned R-4, R-5 or R-6; provided, that a beekeeper who picks up a swarm of bees may hold them for a period of no more than two weeks, notwithstanding the provisions of this section.
B. Colonies shall be maintained in small movable frame hives.
C. Adequate space shall be maintained in the hives to prevent overcrowding and swarming.
D. Colonies shall be requeened with a young hybrid queen annually, or as often as necessary to prevent any swarming or aggressive behavior.
E. All colonies shall be registered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture in accordance with apiary law, RCW 15.60.030.
F. Hives shall not be located within twenty-five feet of any property line, except under the following conditions:
1. When situated eight feet or more above adjacent ground level; or
2. When there is a solid fence at least six feet high separating the hive from the property line, extending at least twenty feet from the hive along the property line in both directions.
G. Bees living in trees, buildings or any other space (except in movable frame hives), abandoned colonies or diseased bees shall constitute a public nuisance and shall be abated, as set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2960 § 2, 2019: Ord. 2640 § 1 (part), 2011: Ord. 1442 § 4, 1988).