17.03.132 Standards Applicable to Beekeeping.
A. Location, Density and Maintenance of Colonies.
1. The minimum lot size where colonies may be kept is six thousand square feet. The number of colonies is limited to two colonies per six thousand square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of six colonies on lots of twelve thousand square feet of larger.
a. The beekeeper establishes and maintains a flyway barrier at least six feet in height consisting of a solid wall, solid fencing material, dense vegetation or combination thereof that is parallel to the property line and extends ten feet beyond the colony in each direction so that all bees are forced to fly at an elevation of at least six feet above ground level over the property lines in the vicinity of the colony, or
b. The colony is situated ten feet or more above the grade of the nearest adjoining property line.
c. Colonies shall be maintained in movable-frame hives with adequate space and management techniques to prevent overcrowding and swarming.
d. In any instance in which a colony exhibits aggressive or swarming behavior, the beekeeper must ensure that the colony is re-queened. Aggressive behavior is any instance in which unusual aggressive characteristics such as stinging or attacking without provocation occurs.
e. Every beekeeper shall maintain an adequate supply of water for bees located close to each colony.
f. An apiary (for beekeeping) shall be identified by placing a sign so it is visible to passers-by.
g. Registrations and Training.
2. All colonies shall be registered with the director of the State Department of Agriculture pursuant to RCW 15.60.021 no later than April 1 of each year. Copies of the registration must be submitted to the city annually for proof of compliance.
B. The beekeeper shall be currently enrolled in or have completed the requirements for apprenticeship level of the Washington State Beekeeper’s Association master beekeeper certification program and submit proof of compliance to the city.
C. The beekeeper shall maintain membership with the Inland Empire Beekeepers Association or other comparable organization. Demonstration of continuous membership must be submitted to the city for proof of compliance.
1. There will be an annual application and annual permit fee to inspect site for compliance with these standards.
2. Violations of these standards are subject to a monetary penalty of up to $100. If a violation is validated and the situation is not brought into compliance to the satisfaction of the City of Kettle Falls, then the permit will be revoked. The colonies must be removed. Any approved reinstallation of colonies will be subject to a one-year probationary period. If violations continue to occur, future applications may be denied.
D. Application for permit must also include signed concurrence letters from adjacent property owners agreeing to the keeping of bees.