Bellingham, WA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback
- 25 feet from property line
- Fence exception
- 6-ft fence, 20 ft each way
- Height exception
- Hive 8+ feet above grade
- Registration
- Required with WA Dept. of Agriculture
Summary
Bellingham bars locating a beehive within 25 feet of any property line unless it's raised 8 feet or screened by a 6-foot fence, and requires state hive registration, per BMC 7.12.060(B).
No person shall locate a beehive within 25 feet of any property line except: 1. When the hive is situated eight feet or more above the grade immediately adjacent to the subject lot; or 2. When the hive is situated less than eight feet above the grade...and behind a solid fence or hedge at least six feet in height...extending at least 20 feet beyond the hive in both directions. All colonies must be registered with the Director of the Department of Agriculture of the state of Washington as provided in RCW 15.60.021.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 7.12.060(B) governs backyard beekeeping in Bellingham. Hives must stay inaccessible to the public and not send bee traffic across neighboring yards or the right-of-way. No hive may sit within 25 feet of a property line unless it's at least eight feet above the adjacent grade, or shielded by a solid fence or hedge at least six feet tall running parallel to the line and extending 20 feet past the hive in both directions. Every colony must also be registered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture under RCW 15.60.021, and premises must be kept clean and sanitary.
Violations & Fines
Beekeeping that breaks BMC 7.12.060 is an infraction under BMC 7.12.140, fined up to $250, plus a possible nuisance order to correct the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my property line can I put a beehive in Bellingham?
Do Bellingham beekeepers need to register their hives?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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