Beekeeping

Find out when you need to register as a beekeeper, whether you need a City permit, and how to apply. These requirements help ensure safe, responsible beekeeping within the City.

All beekeepers must be registered with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Identification and Movement of Stock and Apiaries) Regulations 2013. Registration is mandatory for every beekeeper in Western Australia.

A City permit is only required if you cannot meet the standard conditions for keeping bees.

You do not need a permit if you:

Keep up to two hives in a residential zone;
Keep hives in approved rural zones; and
Meet all standard conditions (see below).

All beekeepers must register with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

Visit DPIRD’s website to register as a beekeeper.

Note: You will need to provide your DPIRD registration details if you later apply for a City permit.

You must apply for a permit if:

You cannot meet the setback distances;
You cannot provide an adequate water source;
Bees may cause a nuisance (flight paths, swarming, aggression, proximity issues);
You wish to keep hives in a zone not covered by the standard exemptions; and
You are unable to meet any of the non-permit conditions.

For more detailed information refer to the local law below.

Bee Keeping Local Law (PDF)

A City permit is not required if you meet all the following:

Residential zones

You may keep up to two hives without a permit if you:

Notify adjacent property occupants in writing before placing hives;
Position each hive at least 10 metres from any thoroughfare;
Position each hive at least 5 metres from any property boundary;
Provide an accessible and adequate water supply; and
Ensure the hives do not cause a nuisance.

General Rural and other rural-related zones

You may keep bees without a permit if you meet the same conditions listed above.

How to apply for a beekeeper permit

Before you apply, make sure you have:

Registered as a beekeeper with DPIRD;
Notified neighbouring property owners/occupants if required;
Collected any supporting information needed for the application.

To apply:

Option 1 – In person: Download and complete the bee keeping application form (PDF), see below, then submit it at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, Visa or Mastercard.
Option 2 – By email: Download and complete the bee keeping application form (PDF), see below, then email it to health@wanneroo.wa.gov.au. Payment can be made by calling 9405 5285 (Visa or Mastercard). Credit card payments incur a 0.22% surcharge (incl GST). Processing may take up to 28 days. The City will assess your application under the Bee Keeping Local Law 2016 and may request further information or conduct an inspection if required.

Bee keeping application form (PDF)