7.04.154 Beekeeping.
Beekeeping, pursuant to chapter RCW 15.60 Apiaries and its definitions, 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, R-6, or Nonresidential or Mixed Use zones, per RZC 21.04.030 Comprehensive Allowed Uses Chart; 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 Apiaries.
F. Hives shall not be located within twenty-five (25) feet of any property line, except under the following conditions:
1. When situated eight (8) feet or more above adjacent ground level; or
2. When there is a solid fence at least six (6) feet high separating the hive from the property line, extending at least twenty (20) feet from the hive along the property line in both directions; or
3. When hives are located indoors such as during inclement weather.
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, in accordance with the Washington State Department of Agriculture Managed Pollinator Protection Plan and protocols as set forth in this chapter.
H. Written approval by the owner of the underlying parcel shall be provided for the siting and maintenance of the hives in nonresidential and mixed use zones.
I. One sign, providing notification of beekeeping activities, shall be installed and maintained, in accordance with all of the following:
1. The sign shall be visible and oriented toward people walking on or adjacent to the property upon which the hives shall be maintained; and
2. Sign lettering for the following shall be a minimum of two inches in height:
a. Caution; and
b. Active Beehive Area; and
c. Keep Clear of the Hives; and
3. Additional information shall be provided on the sign to include, at minimum, the owner’s name, state issued identification number, and telephone number.
J. Other information may be included on the required sign, such as for educational purposes. (Ord. 3151 § 2, 2024; Ord. 2960 § 2, 2019: Ord. 2640 § 1 (part), 2011: Ord. 1442 § 4, 1988).