Portland vs Seattle
How do beekeeping rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland allows beekeeping on residential property without a permit under Title 13 (amended 2020). Beekeepers must notify neighbors within 150 feet, register with Oregon Department of Agriculture (5+ hives), maintain a 6-foot flyaway barrier within 10 feet of property lines, and follow OSU Extension best practices.
View full Portland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Beekeeping is permitted in Seattle. Max 4 hives on lots under 10,000 sq ft; 1 additional hive per 2,500 sq ft over 10,000 sq ft in commercial zones. Hives must be in movable-frame design. State registration with WA Dept. of Agriculture required by April 1 each year (RCW 15.60).
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | No permit — but must comply with Title 13 Chapter 13.30 | - |
| Neighbor Notification | Written notice to all owners within 150 feet before installation | - |
| Flyaway Barrier | 6-foot barrier required if hives within 10 feet of property line | - |
| ODA Registration | Required for 5+ hives | - |
| Code | PCC Chapter 13.30 (amended Ord. 190086, eff. Sept 4 2020) | SMC 23.44.048 / SMC 10.36.010 |
| Max Hives | - | 4 on lots < 10,000 sq ft |
| Hive Type | - | Movable-frame hives required |
| State Registration | - | WA Dept. of Agriculture by April 1 (RCW 15.60) |
| Nuisance Fine | - | Up to $100 for abandoned/unmanaged colonies |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Portland?
Portland allows beekeeping on residential property without a permit under Title 13 (amended 2020). Beekeepers must notify neighbors within 150 feet, register with Oregon Department of Agriculture (5+ hives), maintain a 6-foot flyaway barrier within 10 feet of property lines, and follow OSU...
What are the beekeeping regulations in Portland?
Permit Required: No permit — but must comply with Title 13 Chapter 13.30. Neighbor Notification: Written notice to all owners within 150 feet before installation. Flyaway Barrier: 6-foot barrier required if hives within 10 feet of property line. ODA Registration: Required for 5+ hives.
Seattle FAQ
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Seattle?
Beekeeping is permitted in Seattle. Max 4 hives on lots under 10,000 sq ft; 1 additional hive per 2,500 sq ft over 10,000 sq ft in commercial zones. Hives must be in movable-frame design. State registration with WA Dept. of Agriculture required by April 1 each year (RCW 15.60).
What are the beekeeping regulations in Seattle?
Code: SMC 23.44.048 / SMC 10.36.010. Max Hives: 4 on lots < 10,000 sq ft. Hive Type: Movable-frame hives required. State Registration: WA Dept. of Agriculture by April 1 (RCW 15.60).
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