Sammamish, WA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Research did not locate a beekeeping-specific chapter in the Sammamish Municipal Code, and a 2021 Washington State Beekeepers Association survey of local beekeeping ordinances did not include Sammamish or unincorporated King County among the cities with dedicated bee rules. In the absence of a local ordinance, beekeeping in Sammamish is governed primarily by Washington state law. Under Chapter 15.60 RCW, beekeepers register their apiaries with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, with registration generally due by April 1 each year, and hives must consist of movable frames and combs unless specifically exempted. An apiary at the owner's residence is exempt from certain marking requirements. Common best-management practices used statewide (water source at the apiary, hive placement and screening) come from model ordinances rather than a Sammamish rule. Because bees are not a 'dangerous animal' or otherwise specifically addressed in the King County animal code that Sammamish adopts, residents should rely on the state apiary law and confirm there is no overlapping zoning restriction in SMC Title 21A before keeping hives. Any nuisance created by bees could still be addressed under general nuisance provisions.