Auburn, WA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Auburn City Code 18.31.220 groups honeybees with other permitted animals in residential zones. Hives must be located in the rear yard and set back at least 10 feet from rear and side property lines. Best beekeeping practice further recommends a 6-foot flyway barrier (fence, hedge, or building) within 5 feet of the hive to force bees up and out of neighbors' yards. The Washington Department of Agriculture under RCW 15.60 operates a state apiarist program; registration of hives with the state is recommended to aid disease tracking. Africanized bee strains are prohibited. Hive density should be limited to avoid overloading urban forage; typical recommendations are two hives per average city lot and up to four on larger lots. Swarms that settle in neighboring property are the responsibility of the originating beekeeper to retrieve. Defensive or aggressive colonies repeatedly stinging neighbors can be declared a nuisance under ACC 6.02.140. HOAs in Lakeland Hills and some Lea Hill subdivisions impose additional beekeeping restrictions.