Yes, keeping bees is legal in Washington, D.C., but subject to strict municipal and federal oversight, including registration with the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment and compliance with the 2023 Urban Agriculture Amendment Act.
Key Regulations for Keeping Bees in Washington D.C.
- Registration Requirement: Beekeepers must register hives annually with the D.C. Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) under the Urban Agriculture Amendment Act (effective 2023), which mandates reporting hive locations and colony counts.
- Hive Density Limits: The District caps hive density at one colony per 2,500 square feet of lot area, with a maximum of four colonies per residential parcel, enforced to mitigate swarming risks and neighbor disputes.
- Setback and Zoning Compliance: Hives must maintain a 25-foot setback from property lines and adjacent dwellings, and are prohibited in residential zones unless explicitly permitted under DOEE’s 2024 zoning guidelines.
Additional compliance obligations include adherence to the D.C. Municipal Code § 8-1201 et seq., which requires beekeepers to mitigate nuisance risks (e.g., excessive noise, swarming) and comply with federal pesticide regulations under the Environmental Protection Agency. The DOEE conducts periodic inspections, particularly in high-density areas like Capitol Hill and Georgetown, where complaints trigger enforcement actions. Failure to register or comply risks fines up to $500 per violation, as outlined in the 2023 amendments. For commercial operations, additional permits from the D.C. Department of Health may apply under food safety regulations.