A colony may be kept in the District only if it is established and maintained in a manner consistent with this subchapter and any regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter.
Citation: DC ST § 8-1825.03.
(a) A colony kept in the District shall be registered annually with the Department.
(b) No person shall bring into the District a colony or portion of a colony, bees on combs, empty used combs, used hives, or other used apiary appliances without complying with the procedures established by the Department in accordance with this subchapter.
(c) A colony may not be established in a multi-unit building without written permission from the property manager or owner.
(d) A hive must be kept and maintained to prevent overcrowding and deter swarming according to procedures established by the Department through rulemaking.
(e) A beekeeper shall be responsible for the remediation of bee swarms and nuisance conditions. If a beekeeper fails to fulfill this obligation, the owner of the property on which a hive is located shall be responsible for remediating these conditions, and the beekeeper shall reimburse the property owner for the costs incurred by the remediation.
Citation: DC ST § 8-1825.04.
(a) The Department shall establish procedures and may take measures to control the spread of bee diseases and may order a beekeeper to take measures to control the spread of bee diseases.
(b) The Mayor shall treat or destroy the bees, hives, and honey of a beekeeper who fails to take measures ordered by the Mayor to eradicate or control bee disease.
Citation: DC ST § 8-1825.07.
(a) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, may issue rules to implement the provisions of this subchapter. The rules may establish fees necessary to implement the provisions of this subchapter.
(b) The Mayor may enforce this subchapter by use of any injunctive relief, measure, or combination of measures, authorized by this subchapter or otherwise by law.
(c) Civil fines, penalties, and fees may be imposed as sanctions for a violation of this subchapter or rules or regulations issued under the authority of this subchapter, pursuant to Chapter 18 of Title 2 (”Civil Infractions Act”).
(d) Repealed.
(e) The Mayor may require reimbursement for the District's costs resulting from services, including inspections, testing, storage, and transportation of hives or bees, or other reasonable costs or fees incurred in implementation of this subchapter or regulations promulgated pursuant to this subchapter.
Citation: DC ST § 8-1825.09.
For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:..
(7) “Department” means the District Department of the Environment.
(7A) “Director” means the Director of the District Department of the Environment...
Citation: DC ST § 8-1825.02.