All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Pennsylvania

    Everything you need to know about legally keeping bees in Pennsylvania - from state registration to city-specific ordinances.

    Last updated: · Verified against official sources

    Yes — Pennsylvania requires beekeepers to register their hives with the PDA.

    Pennsylvania has no statewide hive limit. See the exact fees, hive limits, setbacks, and city ordinances for 2026 below.

    Last updated

    Key Facts - Pennsylvania Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through PDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    Pennsylvania has no statewide hive limit.

    State Agency

    Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), Bureau of Plant Industry, Apiary Program

    State Registration Requirements

    Pennsylvania's Bee Law (3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 21) requires every apiary owner in the state to register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, including hobbyists with a single hive. The application form asks for the owner's name and mailing address, the exact location of each apiary, and the number of colonies. The $10 fee covers all of an applicant's apiaries. The registration expires December 31 of the year after the first year of registration, so you renew about every two years. PDA apiary inspectors work from May through mid-October and may inspect any apiary. They focus on disease history, queen-breeding yards, and new beekeepers. Hives must have movable frames so every comb can be inspected for disease.

    Registration Fees

    $10 per applicant, covering all of that person's apiaries. Registration lasts up to two calendar years and expires December 31 of the year after the first year of registration.

    Register with PDA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    Pennsylvania has no statewide hive limit. Any limit comes from your municipality's zoning or animal ordinance, and many Pennsylvania municipalities have no bee-specific rule. The Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association's model ordinance, which some municipalities adopt, suggests 2 hives for a lot of at least 2,000 sq ft, plus 2 more hives for each additional 2,000 sq ft.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural land. Every apiary must still be registered with PDA.

    Setback Requirements

    Pennsylvania has no statewide setback or flyway-barrier requirement, and local ordinances vary. The PSBA model ordinance recommends: no hives in front yards; hives at least 10 feet from side and rear lot lines unless there is a flyway barrier or the hives sit at least 10 feet above grade; hives at least 50 feet from an existing swimming pool or kenneled animal; and apiaries at least 10 feet from buildings on neighboring lots.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Philadelphia

    Hive Limits

    The Philadelphia Code sets no bee-specific hive limit. Section 10-112 limits most farm animals to parcels of 3 acres or more, but § 10-101 defines farm animals as chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, cows, or other farm animals that cause a nuisance through smell or noise. Honey bees are not named.

    Setbacks

    The Philadelphia Code and the Zoning Code (Title 14) have no bee-specific setback or flyway-barrier requirement.

    Notes

    Beekeeping is not specifically regulated in the city code, so general nuisance rules apply and hives must still be registered with PDA. The Zoning Code's urban agriculture standards (§ 14-603(15)) cover animal husbandry only by referring to the § 10-112 farm-animal rules. Before setting up hives, confirm with the Department of Licenses and Inspections and check any deed restrictions.

    Philadelphia ordinance

    Pittsburgh

    Hive Limits

    A lot of at least 2,000 sq ft may have 2 beehives, plus 2 more for each additional 2,000 sq ft of lot area.

    Setbacks

    Hive structures must meet the zoning district's setbacks and be at least 10 feet from any property line. A flyway barrier at least 6 feet high (solid fence, wall, dense vegetation, or a combination) is required along any part of the property line within 20 feet of a hive. No barrier is needed for hives on porches or balconies at least 10 feet above grade, unless the porch or balcony is less than 5 feet from a property line. Rooftop hives must be at least 10 feet above grade and outside required setbacks.

    Notes

    Zoning Code § 912.07 permits beekeeping by right as an Urban Agriculture (Accessory Use) With Animals. Applications must include a scaled plot plan showing structures and uses. Signs are not allowed, and farm products may be sold on site only in non-residential districts.

    Pittsburgh ordinance

    Harrisburg

    Hive Limits

    The Harrisburg City Code sets no bee-specific hive limit.

    Setbacks

    The Harrisburg City Code sets no bee-specific setback or flyway-barrier requirement.

    Notes

    The Harrisburg City Code has no sections specific to bees. Check with the city's Codes/Zoning office before placing hives, and register with PDA.

    Harrisburg ordinance

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Pennsylvania Bee Law

    3 Pa.C.S. §§ 2101–2117 (Title 3, Chapter 21, Bees)

    Requires every apiary owner to register with PDA (§ 2105: $10 fee, valid up to two calendar years). It covers the chief apiary inspector, quarantines, inspections and inspectors' free access to apiaries, bee diseases, infected shipments, transport and import of bees, and civil and criminal penalties.

    Food Safety Act and Honey Sale and Labeling Act

    3 Pa.C.S. §§ 5721–5737; Act of July 20, 1974 (Honey Sale and Labeling Act)

    Anyone who sells honey must register as a food establishment with PDA ($35 per year). There is an exemption from the fee and from routine inspection when all of the honey is produced or processed on the farm where it is sold. Honey labels must follow the Honey Sale and Labeling Act and federal labeling rules.

    Pennsylvania Pollinator Protection Plan (P4)

    PDA and Penn State Center for Pollinator Research (released 2018)

    A voluntary state plan with best practices for beekeepers, growers, pesticide applicators, and landowners to protect managed and wild pollinators. It is guidance, not a regulation.

    Selling Honey in Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania has no cottage-food exemption for honey. PDA's guidance says all honey producers who sell must register as a food establishment ($35 per year). Producers who follow the Honey Sale and Labeling Act and produce or process all of their honey on the farm where it is sold are exempt from the fee and from routine inspection, but PDA may still inspect them after a complaint. Honey given only to family or close friends generally does not need registration, but advertising it in any way (flyers, ads, word of mouth) can trigger the requirement. Labels on packaged honey must show the name "honey" (or a name that describes any blend), the name and address of the producer or distributor, net weight, and an ingredient list if anything other than honey is added.

    Official Pennsylvania guidance
    Price your honey for PennsylvaniaList your honey free

    Pennsylvania Beekeeping Association

    Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association

    The Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association (PSBA), founded in 1904, is the statewide organization for Pennsylvania beekeepers. It holds an annual fall conference and honey show, publishes a newsletter, supports a network of county and regional clubs, lists the state's apiary inspectors by county, and works with Penn State and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on beekeeping and pollinator issues.

    Visit Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers, and winters are harsher in the northern tier and at higher elevations. To overwinter well, colonies need ample honey stores, strong fall populations, varroa treatment finished before winter bees are raised, and ventilation that prevents condensation. Many Pennsylvania beekeepers use insulating wraps, foam boards, or quilt boxes through the coldest months. Spring buildup is fast once the weather warms, and the black locust and tulip poplar flow in late spring can be the biggest of the year. Summer heat and humidity favor small hive beetles, so keep colonies strong. The fall goldenrod and aster flow is critical for winter stores, so do not over-harvest fall honey.

    See the month-by-month Pennsylvania beekeeping calendar

    Tips for Pennsylvania Beekeepers

    • Register with PDA as soon as you set up hives. The $10 registration covers all of your apiaries and must be renewed about every two years.
    • Winter prep is critical. Go into winter with ample honey stores (commonly 60–80 pounds), finish varroa treatment in late summer, and aim for a strong population of young winter bees.
    • The late-spring flow from black locust and tulip poplar can be heavy, so have extra supers ready to reduce swarming.
    • Penn State Extension offers beekeeping courses and a Master Beekeeper Program, and local PSBA-affiliated clubs provide mentoring.
    • Goldenrod and aster provide an important fall flow. Leave enough fall honey on the hive rather than harvesting it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Sources & Official References

    Last checked against these sources on . This page summarizes Pennsylvania law for general information and is not legal advice. Rules change — confirm with PDA and your city or county before setting up hives.

    City ordinances still vary — always confirm with your town after checking state law.

    Other State Regulations

    Pennsylvania Beekeeping Calendar

    Month-by-month tasks for Pennsylvania — when to inspect, treat for mites, harvest, and prep for winter.

    View Pennsylvania Calendar

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

    Estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential honey revenue for your beekeeping operation in Pennsylvania.

    Calculate Costs

    Do You Need a License to Keep Bees?

    Most states require hive registration, not a license. Our guide explains the difference and what Pennsylvania expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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