Washington Statewide Rule

Washington State Apiary Registration and Beekeeping Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: RCW 15.60.021
Registration Deadline: April 1 annually
Threshold: One or more hives
Regulator: WSDA

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: RCW 15.60.021 - Apiary registration of hives

Summary

Washington RCW 15.60 requires all beekeepers with one or more hives to register their apiaries annually with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, supporting disease tracking and pollinator health statewide.

(1) Each person owning one or more hives with bees, brokers renting hives, and apiarists resident in other states who operate hives in Washington shall register with the director by April 1st each year. (2) The registration application shall include: (a) The name, address, and phone number of the apiarist or broker; (b) The number of colonies of bees to be owned, brokered, or operated in Washington that year; (c) A registration fee as prescribed in rule by the director, with the advice of the apiary advisory committee; and (d) Any other information required by the department by rule. (3) The director shall issue to each apiarist or broker registered with the department an apiarist identification number.

Source: RCW 15.60.021 - Apiary registration of hivesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under RCW 15.60.021, any person owning bee colonies must register with WSDA by April 1 each year, providing apiary location and hive counts. Registration fees support inspection programs that detect American foulbrood and other diseases. RCW 15.60.045 authorizes the WSDA director to inspect apiaries, quarantine infected hives, and order destruction of diseased equipment. The statute applies uniformly statewide while permitting local zoning rules on hive placement, setbacks, and density.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to register an apiary, refusing inspection, or moving quarantined bees constitutes a misdemeanor under RCW 15.60.055, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation imposed by WSDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a single backyard hive in Washington?

Yes. RCW 15.60.021 requires anyone owning one or more bee colonies to register annually with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, regardless of hive count or commercial purpose.

Can my city ban beekeeping if I'm registered with WSDA?

State registration does not override local zoning. Cities may regulate hive setbacks, density, and placement, but cannot waive the WSDA registration requirement under RCW 15.60.

Sources

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