Millcreek, PA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Section 145-44 of the Millcreek Township Code governs apiaries. A beekeeper must first register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture under the Pennsylvania Bee Law, 3 Pa.C.S.A. § 2101 et seq., and must tell the Zoning Officer within 72 hours if that registration is revoked or lapses. The Township Permit comes from the Zoning Officer on a written application with the fee set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, plus a lot plan showing lot size, hive number and location, each water source, distance from hives to property lines and any flyway barriers.

The applicant must also show written evidence of a beekeeping course of at least eight hours or a letter of validation from an officer of the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association, a local bee club or a certified Master Beekeeper. A tenant needs written permission from the owner or landlord. Hives cannot be within 10 feet of a side or rear property line unless a flyway barrier is in place or the hives are at least 10 feet above grade. They cannot be in a front yard, within 50 feet of a preexisting swimming pool or kenneled animal, or within 10 feet of buildings on adjacent properties.

No hives are allowed on a lot under 2,000 square feet. A qualifying lot can keep two hives, with two more for each additional 2,000 square feet, up to six. From April 15 through August 15 a beekeeper can add two nucleus colonies per hive for up to 45 days, and from August 16 to April 14 one nucleus hive per allowed hive. Flyway barriers must be at least six feet high, and beekeepers must supply fresh water from April 1 through November 1.