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: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Pennsylvania Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through PDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

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

    State Registration Requirements

    Under the Pennsylvania Bee Law (Act 1978-86), all beekeepers in Pennsylvania must register their apiaries with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture within 30 days of establishing an apiary, and renew registration every two years. Registration is free. PDA's Apiary Section conducts inspections for diseases such as American Foulbrood, certifies colonies for interstate movement, and issues identification numbers that must be displayed at each apiary site. Beekeepers must report suspected diseases to the state apiarist.

    Registration Fees

    Registration is free for all beekeepers regardless of colony count.

    Register with PDA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local ordinances commonly allow 2 to 4 hives on standard residential lots.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural land.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback requirement. Local ordinances typically require 5 to 25 feet from property lines and a 6-foot flyway barrier near lot lines.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Philadelphia

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on standard residential lots, with additional hives permitted on larger lots and urban farm parcels.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and not located in front yards. A 6-foot flyway barrier is required when hives are within 25 feet of a neighboring dwelling.

    Notes

    Philadelphia legalized urban beekeeping under the Philadelphia Zoning Code, which permits hives in residential zones, on rooftops, and on community gardens. The Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild provides strong local mentorship and the city has one of the largest urban beekeeping communities on the East Coast.

    Pittsburgh

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on residential lots under 5,000 sq ft, with up to 5 hives on larger parcels.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines, with a flyway barrier required when within 25 feet of a neighbor's dwelling. Hives must be in the rear yard.

    Notes

    Pittsburgh's Urban Agriculture zoning code explicitly permits beekeeping on residential and urban farm properties. Burgh Bees and other local groups offer education and mentorship. The hilly topography and abundant tree cover provide excellent forage from black locust, tulip poplar, and basswood.

    Harrisburg

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on standard residential lots, with additional hives permitted on lots over 10,000 sq ft.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and a flyway barrier is required when hives are near neighboring dwellings.

    Notes

    Harrisburg permits residential beekeeping in most single-family zones. The surrounding agricultural region of central Pennsylvania provides excellent forage and is home to many of the state's commercial beekeeping operations.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Pennsylvania Bee Law

    Act 1978-86 (3 P.S. 2101-2117)

    Establishes the legal framework for apiary registration, inspection, and disease control in Pennsylvania. Requires all beekeepers to register with PDA within 30 days of establishing an apiary, and grants the state apiarist authority to inspect apiaries and quarantine diseased colonies.

    Pennsylvania Pollinator Protection Plan

    PDA Pollinator Protection Plan (2018)

    State plan coordinating beekeeper, grower, and pesticide applicator practices to protect pollinators. Encourages communication between beekeepers and farmers and supports habitat improvement on public and private land.

    Pennsylvania Beekeeping Association

    Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association

    The Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association (PSBA) is one of the oldest state beekeeping organizations in the U.S., founded in 1906. PSBA hosts an annual conference, publishes a newsletter, supports a network of local clubs across the state, and works closely with Penn State Extension on beekeeper education and the Penn State Master Beekeeper Program.

    Visit Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Most of the state falls in USDA hardiness zones 5b through 7a. Successful overwintering requires 60-80 pounds of honey stores, strong fall populations, varroa treatment completed by mid-September, and adequate ventilation to prevent condensation. Many Pennsylvania beekeepers use insulating wraps, foam boards, or quilt boxes from November through March. The spring buildup is fast once weather warms in April, and the black locust and tulip poplar flow in May and early June can be the biggest of the year. Summer heat and humidity favor small hive beetles, so maintain strong colonies. The fall goldenrod and aster flow is critical for winter stores - do not over-harvest fall honey.

    Tips for Pennsylvania Beekeepers

    • Pennsylvania's free state apiary registration is one of the best deals in beekeeping - register within 30 days of getting bees and renew every two years.
    • Winter prep is critical. Pennsylvania colonies need 60-80 pounds of honey stores, completed varroa treatment by mid-September, and strong populations of young winter bees.
    • The spring nectar flow from black locust, tulip poplar, and basswood (May-June) can be massive - be prepared with extra supers to prevent swarming.
    • Penn State Extension offers excellent beekeeper education resources, including the Penn State Master Beekeeper Program and the popular Beekeeping 101 short course.
    • Goldenrod and aster provide an important fall flow that helps colonies build winter stores - leave a super on for the bees rather than harvesting all the late-season honey.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    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

    Cookie Notice

    We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. We use Google Analytics to analyze usage of our website.Read our Privacy Policyfor more information.