All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Washington

    Everything you need to know about legally keeping bees in Washington - from state registration to city-specific ordinances.

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Washington Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through WSDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential limit.

    State Agency

    Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Apiary Program

    State Registration Requirements

    Washington state law (RCW 15.60) requires all beekeepers with one or more honey bee colonies to register annually with WSDA by April 1 of each year. Registration funds the state apiary program, which provides inspection services, disease monitoring, and pesticide notification. Beekeepers report apiary locations and colony counts. WSDA also administers the state's hive registration database and works with WSU Extension on the Master Beekeeper Program.

    Registration Fees

    Registration fees are tiered by colony count: approximately $5 for 1 colony, $10 for 2-5 colonies, $15 for 6-25 colonies, scaling up to several hundred dollars for commercial operations.

    Register with WSDA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential limit. Local ordinances vary widely, with most cities allowing 2 to 4 hives on typical residential lots.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on agricultural or rural land.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback requirement. Local ordinances commonly require 5 to 25 feet from property lines and frequently require a 6-foot flyway barrier.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Seattle

    Hive Limits

    Up to 4 hives per lot in single-family residential zones, with additional hives allowed on larger lots.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 25 feet from any dwelling on an adjacent lot, or a 6-foot flyway barrier (solid fence or dense vegetation) must be maintained between the hive and the property line.

    Notes

    Seattle Municipal Code 23.42.052 explicitly permits urban beekeeping. A water source must be provided on the property. Seattle has an active urban beekeeping community and is a Bee City USA affiliate. Hives should be placed in rear yards.

    Spokane

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on residential lots under 10,000 sq ft, with additional hives permitted on larger parcels.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and not located in front yards. A flyway barrier is required when hives are within 25 feet of a neighboring dwelling.

    Notes

    Spokane allows residential beekeeping in most single-family zones. The drier eastern Washington climate is favorable for beekeeping but winters are colder than the Puget Sound region - winter prep is critical.

    Tacoma

    Hive Limits

    Up to 4 hives on residential lots, with additional hives allowed on larger parcels.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines, with a 6-foot flyway barrier required if within 25 feet of a neighboring dwelling.

    Notes

    Tacoma permits residential beekeeping under its zoning code. A water source must be maintained on the property and hives should be placed in the rear yard. Pierce County Beekeepers Association offers local mentorship.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Washington Apiaries Act

    RCW 15.60

    Establishes the legal framework for apiary registration, inspection, and disease control in Washington. Requires annual registration of all beekeepers with WSDA and grants the department authority to inspect apiaries and quarantine diseased colonies.

    Pollinator Health Task Force

    RCW 15.65 and related rules

    Establishes Washington's commitment to pollinator health through habitat protection, pesticide notification programs, and support for beekeeper education through WSU Extension.

    Washington Beekeeping Association

    Washington State Beekeepers Association

    The Washington State Beekeepers Association (WASBA) supports beekeepers across the state with educational programs, the WSU/WASBA Master Beekeeper Program, an annual conference, and legislative advocacy. WASBA maintains a network of local clubs from the Olympic Peninsula to the Palouse.

    Visit Washington State Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Washington has two very different climates split by the Cascade Range. Western Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia) has mild, wet winters and cool springs - winter losses are often caused by moisture and nosema rather than cold. Provide upper ventilation, moisture quilts or absorbent insulation, and tilt hives forward to drain. The long, mild fall extends the foraging season but also varroa pressure. Eastern Washington (Spokane, Yakima, Tri-Cities) is high desert with cold, dry winters and hot, dry summers. Winter wrapping and windbreaks help here. Across the state, ensure colonies enter fall with 60-80 pounds of honey, strong populations, and effective varroa treatment completed by mid-September.

    Tips for Washington Beekeepers

    • Western Washington's wet, cool springs require strong, healthy colonies to build up successfully - nosema and chalkbrood can be issues in damp conditions.
    • Winter ventilation is essential west of the Cascades to prevent condensation, which kills more colonies than cold. Use upper entrances or moisture quilts.
    • Eastern Washington beekeepers face colder, drier winters more similar to the northern plains. Wind breaks and insulation help colonies overwinter successfully.
    • Register with WSDA by April 1 each year. The fee is modest and supports the state apiary program that benefits all beekeepers.
    • Consider enrolling in the WSU/WASBA Master Beekeeper Program, which is one of the most respected beekeeper education programs in the country.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

    Estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential honey revenue for your beekeeping operation in Washington.

    Calculate Costs

    Do You Need a License to Keep Bees?

    Most states require hive registration, not a license. Our guide explains the difference and what Washington expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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