Yakima, WA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Unlike Seattle, Spokane, Bellevue, and Tacoma, the City of Yakima has not adopted a dedicated urban-beekeeping ordinance setting hive counts, flyway barriers, or specific setbacks. Residential beekeeping is therefore treated as an accessory residential use under YMC Title 15. Operators must avoid nuisance conditions enforceable under YMC Chapter 6.20 (Animal Control) and the general nuisance/public-health provisions of YMC Title 6 and Title 11. If a beekeeping operation exceeds 'pet' scale and becomes commercial 'animal husbandry,' it falls under YMC 15.09.070, which requires a minimum lot size of one-half acre and additional setbacks. Statewide, RCW Chapter 15.60 (Apiaries) requires every person owning one or more hives with bees - backyard hobbyist or commercial - to register annually with WSDA by April 1, providing name/address/phone, the number of colonies operated in Washington that year, and a registration fee set by rule. WSDA issues each registered apiarist an apiarist identification number. Importantly, RCW 15.60.021 grants registered apiarists who conform to all local ordinances civil-liability protection for acts in connection with keeping bees, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Yakima Valley is a major commercial pollination corridor (orchards, hops, alfalfa) and WSU Extension Yakima County provides additional beekeeper guidance. Beekeepers should also check HOA covenants before installing hives.