Tacoma, WA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Hive limit
- 4 hives on lots under 10,000 sq ft
- Setback
- 75 ft from property lines
- Registration
- State registration under RCW 15.60.030
- Enforcement
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept.
Summary
Tacoma caps hives at four per lot under 10,000 square feet and requires a 75-foot setback from property lines unless hives sit behind a six-foot fence or hedge, per Chapter 5.24 of the Tacoma Municipal Code.
Lots having less than 10,000 square feet shall not have more than four hives. Hives shall not be located within 75 feet of any property line, public street, sidewalk, or alley except when situated behind a solid fence or hedge six feet in height parallel to any property line within 25 feet of the hive and extending at least 20 feet beyond the hive in both directions, or if such fence completely encloses the hives.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5.24 of the Tacoma Municipal Code lets residents keep honey bees (Apis Mellifera) but treats every colony as a potential nuisance if it isn't managed correctly. Every hive must be registered with the Washington State Department of Agriculture under RCW 15.60.030, kept in movable-frame equipment, and handled so unprovoked stinging doesn't reach 75 feet from the hive. Lots smaller than 10,000 square feet may hold no more than four hives, and hives must sit at least 75 feet from any property line, street, sidewalk, or alley unless shielded by a solid fence or hedge at least six feet tall. Diseased colonies and other stinging-insect nests are declared public nuisances, enforced jointly by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Police.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered hives, colonies causing unprovoked stinging beyond 75 feet, or any nuisance colony can draw a misdemeanor citation, with fines starting at $100 for a first offense and rising to $1,000 or 90 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives can I keep in Tacoma?
How close to my property line can I place a hive?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle beekeeping.