Lower Paxton, PA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Hives per parcel
- No more than two at any one time
- Hive setback
- Minimum of 12 feet from any lot line
- Flyaway barrier
- At least six feet high, within five feet of each hive
- Barrier width
- Extends at least two feet beyond each side of the hives
- Revocation trigger
- Unprovoked stinging of people on other lots, streets, or sidewalks
- Civil penalty
- Not more than $500 plus costs, each day separate
Summary
In Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, a parcel can hold no more than two hives, each hive must sit at least 12 feet from every lot line, and a flyaway barrier at least six feet high is required beside the hives. The approval to keep bees is revoked if unprovoked stinging reaches people on other lots, streets, or sidewalks.
K. Bees, keeping of. (1) The applicant shall maintain the bees in a manner that does not create a public nuisance. (2) Bee colonies shall be maintained within hives. (3) Hives shall be located a minimum of 12 feet from any lot line. (4) All shall require the installation of a "flyaway barrier" of at least six feet in height, and placed within five feet of each hive, extending at least two feet beyond each side of the hive(s). (5) No parcel shall contain at any one time more than two hives. (6) The approval to keep bees shall be revoked if the use is maintained in a way that results in unprovoked stinging of persons who are located on other lots or on streets or sidewalks.
Full Breakdown
Beekeeping in Lower Paxton Township is governed by § 203-313(K) of the zoning chapter, inside the general standards for accessory uses and structures adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Six numbered conditions control the activity.
Colonies and nuisance: bee colonies shall be maintained within hives, and the person keeping them must maintain the bees in a manner that does not create a public nuisance.
Hive count: no parcel shall contain at any one time more than two hives. The code counts hives per parcel and prints no acreage tiers, so a small lot and a large lot carry the same ceiling.
Distance: hives must be located a minimum of 12 feet from any lot line. The measurement runs to every boundary, not only the side and rear lines.
Flyaway barrier: the code requires a barrier of at least six feet in height, placed within five feet of each hive and extending at least two feet beyond each side of the hives. The printed sentence reads "All shall require the installation" of the barrier, so the requirement is not tied to hive count or lot size.
Revocation: the approval to keep bees shall be revoked if the use is maintained in a way that results in unprovoked stinging of persons who are located on other lots or on streets or sidewalks. The trigger is stinging that is unprovoked and reaches people off the beekeeper's own lot.
Related sections: § 203-313(A) states that accessory uses and structures not specifically listed in the Table of Authorized Accessory Uses and Structures shall not be permitted in the Township. Subsection (K) speaks of an applicant and an approval but names no fee or issuing office. Zoning permit applications go in writing to the Zoning Officer under § 203-1202(D), and permit fees are set by Board of Supervisors resolution under § 203-1204.
Violations & Fines
A breach of the § 203-313(K) conditions is enforced like any other violation of the zoning chapter. The Zoning Officer sends an enforcement notice with a compliance deadline and 30 days to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. Under § 203-1205(E)(1), a civil judgment is not more than $500 plus court costs and attorney's fees, each day counts as a separate violation, and imprisonment is not authorized. Under § 203-1205(E)(2), the Board of Supervisors can also go to court to restrain or abate the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beehives are allowed on a lot in Lower Paxton Township?
How far must beehives be from the property line?
Can the Township take away permission to keep bees?
What penalty applies if a beekeeper breaks the hive rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lower Paxton
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