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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 19. AMUSEMENTS, PARKS, AND RECREATION |
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Chapter 19-15. FISH AND WILDLIFE |
Section 19-1525. URBAN APICULTURE: APIARY DENSITY AND DISTANCE
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1525.1A hive shall be located at least fifteen feet (15 ft.) from a property line, unless one of the following applies:
(a)A flyway barrier is maintained where the hive is at least five feet (5 ft.) from the property line;
(b) The hive is located eight feet (8 ft.) or more above the grade of the property immediately adjacent;
(c)The hive is located on a rooftop and is five feet (5 ft.) from the side of the building or structure and at least fifteen feet (15 ft.) from the nearest occupied structure, including a roof deck or balcony; or
(d)Annual written approval is granted from neighbors whose properties are located within thirty feet (30 ft.) of the proposed hive.
1525.2Flyway barriers shall:
(a)Be at least six feet (6 ft.) high at all points:
(b)Extend ten feet (10 ft.) beyond the hive in each direction;
(c)Consist of dense vegetation or a solid barrier; and
(d)Comply with the requirements of the District of Columbia Building Code.
1525.3A beekeeper shall not keep more than four (4) hives, unless the property is greater than one-quarter acre (10,890 sq. ft.)
1525.4A beekeeper may add an additional four (4) hives for each additional quarter acre (10,890 sq. ft.) of land.
1525.5Upon written request, the Department may grant a beekeeper permission to keep more than four (4) hives, if the beekeeper has at least three (3) years of documented beekeeping experience and one of the following:
(a)The beekeeper has received written permission from all neighbors with properties located within thirty feet (30 ft.) of the proposed hive site;
(b)The hives are located on or adjacent to non-residential, agricultural, industrial, or undeveloped land;
(c)The hives are used at a school or other institution for educational or research purposes; or
(d)The hives are being held temporarily during an emergency or hive relocation for no more than thirty (30) days, unless a written extension is granted by the Department.
1525.6Documented beekeeping experience shall include the following:
(a)Registration as a beekeeper in the District or another jurisdiction; or
(b) An active membership in a regionally recognized beekeeping association.
1525.7If any of the conditions in Subsection 1525.5 change, the Department may rescind approval for more than four (4) hives, giving the beekeeper thirty (30) days to make changes.