Federal Way allows residential beekeeping under FWRC 19.260. Up to 4 hives on standard lots with 10-ft setbacks. Flyway barrier required within 25 ft of a neighbor. WSDA registration over 5 hives.
Federal Way permits honey bee hives in residential zones under FWRC 19.260 animal keeping provisions. On standard residential lots, up to four hives are generally allowed; larger lots may keep more. Hives must be set back at least 10 feet from all property lines. When a hive is located within 25 feet of a property line adjoining a residential lot, the beekeeper must install a flyway barrier at least six feet tall (fence, hedge, or building) to direct bees upward over neighbors. A water source must be provided on the beekeeper property to prevent bees from congregating at neighbor pools, bird baths, and spigots. Beekeepers must register apiaries with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) under RCW 15.60 if they own five or more hives. Africanized bees and aggressive strains are prohibited; queens should be re-queened if hives become defensive. Swarm removal is coordinated through local beekeeping associations. Notify neighbors before installing hives as a best practice.
Violations are civil infractions handled by Code Compliance. Defensive colonies or unmanaged hives can be declared nuisances requiring removal.
Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
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