Beekeeping is allowed in unincorporated Pierce County under PCC Chapter 8.94. Hives must be registered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, kept in movable-frame hives, and placed at least 25 feet from a property line (closer only behind a 6-foot flyway barrier).
Pierce County Code Chapter 8.94 (Beekeeping/Apiaries) sets countywide standards for honey bees. Under PCC 8.94.030, 'all honey bee hives shall be registered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture,' colonies must be kept in movable-frame hives (unless WSDA-exempted as an educational exhibit), apiaries kept clean and orderly, and diseased hives prevented. PCC 8.94.040 governs placement: 'Hives shall be at least 25 feet from a property line, with the hive(s) entrance(s) facing away from or parallel to the nearest property line.' Hives may be closer if placed behind a 6-foot-high flyway barrier fence extending at least 25 feet in both directions, or placed at least eight feet above adjacent ground level. A consistent water source must be provided to discourage bees
Keeping unregistered hives, using non-movable-frame hives, failing to maintain the 25-foot setback or flyway barrier, or allowing diseased or nuisance colonies violates PCC Chapter 8.94 and can be abated by the county; WSDA registration and disease rules are enforced under
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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