Scranton's Code of Ordinances Chapter 169 (Animals) does not contain an express urban-beekeeping framework, and bees are not listed as a permitted accessory use in residential zones under the Scranton Zoning Ordinance. The practical effect is that any hive proposed within City limits sits in regulatory gray space and would draw nuisance review under Chapter 169 if it triggered complaints. Statewide, the Pennsylvania Bee Law at 3 Pa.C.S. Section 2101 et seq. requires every beekeeper to register all apiaries with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry.
Scranton has not adopted an urban-beekeeping ordinance comparable to those in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. The Code of Ordinances at https://ecode360.com/11604508 (Chapter 169 Animals) and the Scranton Zoning Ordinance make no specific allowance for backyard hives as a customary accessory use in residential districts. In the absence of an express ordinance, any hive proposed within City limits is subject to (1) zoning review by Scranton's Code Enforcement Division to confirm whether it qualifies as a customary accessory use, and (2) potential nuisance enforcement under Chapter 169 if a hive triggers complaints about swarms or stings. At the state level the Pennsylvania Bee Law (3 Pa.C.S. Section 2101 et seq. at https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/pda/documents/plants_land_water/plantindustry/entomology/apiary/documents/pa%20bee%20law.pdf) requires every person owning or maintaining an apiary in the Commonwealth to register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and submit hives to inspection by the State Apiarist; registration is approximately $10 for two years and supports tracking of American foulbrood and other diseases. Scranton residents interested in beekeeping should: (1) confirm zoning with Scranton Code Enforcement; (2) register apiaries with PDA at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/plants-land-water/plant-industry/entomology/apiary-pollinator-services; and (3) follow Penn State Extension best practices (water source, hive orientation, six-foot fence flyway barriers, setbacks from property lines) to minimize neighbor complaints. The Northeast Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association covers Lackawanna County and mentors new urban beekeepers.
Keeping bees in Scranton where the use is not authorized in the underlying zoning district, or where a hive becomes a public nuisance under Chapter 169, is enforceable as a summary offense with fines historically up to $100 per occurrence plus abatement orders requiring hive removal, and continuing-violation penalties per day. Failing to register an apiary with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture violates the Bee Law (3 Pa.C.S. Section 2102) and is enforced separately by the PDA with civil penalties. Bees adjudicated a public nuisance based on swarms or repeated stinging incidents can be ordered removed regardless of registration status.
Scranton, PA
Outdoor swimming pools in Scranton must be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with openings no wider than 2 inches and self-latching gates. The Penns...
Scranton, PA
Scranton's Zoning Ordinance regulates fence height, location, and visibility but does not prescribe a closed list of allowed residential materials. Wood, vin...
Scranton, PA
Scranton's Zoning Ordinance allows fences on the property line and does not require neighbor consent. Boundary and partition-fence disputes are resolved unde...
Scranton, PA
Scranton exempts most residential fences with a fair market value under $500 from a zoning permit, but a permit is still required in the Floodplain Overlay a...
Scranton, PA
Backyard composting in the City of Scranton is permitted; the City does not require a permit for a residential compost bin. The City operates a yard-waste co...
Scranton, PA
The City of Scranton does not mandate native-plant landscaping on residential property. Native and pollinator-friendly planting is encouraged through the Sha...
See how Scranton's beekeeping rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.