District of Columbia Statewide Rule

Beekeeping Rules in Washington, DC

Significant RestrictionsApplies statewide across District of Columbia (2026)

Key Facts

Governing law: DC Official Code § 8-1825.04
Registration: Annual, with DOEE
Multi-unit building: Written owner permission required
Swarm remediation: Beekeeper responsible
Enforcing agency: DOEE

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Every honey bee colony kept in the District of Columbia must be registered annually with the Department of Energy and Environment, and beekeepers are legally responsible for remediating swarms and nuisance conditions their hives create.

(a) A colony kept in the District shall be registered annually with the Department. ... (e) A beekeeper shall be responsible for the remediation of bee swarms and nuisance conditions. If a beekeeper fails to fulfill this obligation, the owner of the property on which a hive is located shall be responsible for remediating these conditions, and the beekeeper shall reimburse the property owner for the costs incurred by the remediation.

View official code

Full Breakdown

DC Official Code § 8-1825.04 requires that every colony kept in the District be registered annually with DOEE. Bees, used combs, hives, and other used apiary appliances may not be brought into the District without following DOEE procedures. A colony may not be established in a multi-unit building without written permission from the property manager or owner, and hives must be maintained to prevent overcrowding and deter swarming. Beekeepers must remediate bee swarms and nuisance conditions; if they fail, the property owner may remediate and bill the beekeeper for the cost. DOEE administers registration under its apiculture rules.

Violations & Penalties

An unregistered or nuisance colony exposes the beekeeper to DOEE enforcement and cost-recovery: if the beekeeper does not remediate a swarm or nuisance, the property owner remediates and the beekeeper must reimburse those costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register my beehive in DC?

Yes. DC Official Code § 8-1825.04(a) requires that a colony kept in the District be registered annually with the Department of Energy and Environment.

Can I keep bees in a DC apartment building?

Only with permission. A colony may not be established in a multi-unit building without written permission from the property manager or owner.

Who handles a swarm from my hive?

You do. The beekeeper must remediate swarms and nuisance conditions; if you fail, the property owner can remediate and bill you for the cost.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.