Beekeeping: Auburn vs Bellevue
How do beekeeping rules compare between Auburn, WA and Bellevue, WA?
Auburn and Bellevue have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn allows honeybee hives as permitted animals under ACC 18.31.220 with rear yard placement. Hives must sit 10 feet from property lines. State apiarist rules under RCW 15.60 apply.
View full Auburn rules →Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue allows beekeeping under LUC 20.20.130 with WSDA registration. Hives need movable frames, annual requeening, and a 15-foot setback. Flyway barriers recommended near lot lines.
View full Bellevue rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Setback | 10 ft rear and side | 15 ft from property line |
| Location | Rear yard only | - |
| Flyway Barrier | 6 ft recommended | - |
| State Law | RCW 15.60 | - |
| State Registration | - | WSDA (free) |
| Hive Type | - | Movable frame required |
| Code | - | LUC 20.20.130, RCW 15.60 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Do I need a permit for beehives in Auburn?
Not from the city, but state apiarist registration under RCW 15.60 is recommended. Hives must meet the 10-foot rear-yard setback of ACC 18.31.220.
How many hives can I have on a city lot in Auburn?
Auburn does not set a numeric limit in ACC 18.31.220. Best practice limits 2-4 hives per residential lot; HOAs may be more restrictive.
Bellevue FAQ
Can I keep bees in Bellevue?
Yes. Beekeeping is permitted under LUC 20.20.130. You must register with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and use movable frame hives.
How many hives can I have?
Bellevue sets no explicit colony limit, but hives must be managed to prevent swarming and overpopulation. Lot size and good practice guide how many are reasonable.
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Bellevue compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool