City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

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Title 17C
Chapter 17C.310
Section 17C.310.130
 

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.310 Animal Keeping

Section 17C.310.130 Beekeeping
  1. Where Permitted.

Beekeeping is allowed as an accessory use on any lot occupied by a single-family residence that is in the RA, R1, R2, RMF and RHD zones. Beekeeping for educational or research purposes by an institution such as college, high school or agricultural extension office is allowed as a Type II conditional use permit in all zones, subject to the requirements of subsection (B)(1) through (5) below.

  1. Standards Applicable to Beekeeping.

Beekeeping is subject to the following standards:

    1. Location, Density and Maintenance of Colonies.
      1. The number of colonies is limited to one colony per four thousand three hundred fifty square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of eight colonies; and
      1. Colonies shall be setback a minimum of twenty-five feet of any property line, except that a colony may be situated within ten feet of a side lot line or rear lot line provided the following provisions are met:
        1. The beehives are isolated from public access by a security fence as required under SMC 17C.111.245(F); and
        1. 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 ten 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; or
        1. The colony is situated ten feet or more above the grade of the nearest adjoining property line.
    1. Colonies shall be maintained in movable-frame hives with adequate space and management techniques to prevent overcrowding and swarming.
    1. 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 characteristics such as stinging or attacking without provocation occurs.
    1. Every beekeeper shall maintain an adequate supply of water for bees located close to each colony.
    1. Registrations and Training.
      1. 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.
      1. The beekeeper shall have completed the requirements for apprenticeship level of the Washington State Beekeeper’s Association master beekeeper certification program.

Date Passed: Monday, September 24, 2007

Effective Date: Saturday, November 10, 2007

ORD C34109 Section 4