Upper Darby, PA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)

Article II of Chapter 222, "Keeping of Bees" (adopted 1981, amended in its entirety July 15, 2020 under Ordinance No. 3080), regulates hobby beekeeping directly. 2's colony-density table sets the cap by lot size: a half-acre lot or smaller is limited to two colonies, larger than a half-acre but under three-quarters of an acre to four colonies, three-quarters to under one acre to six colonies, one to under five acres to eight colonies, and lots larger than five acres carry no numeric restriction. Whenever a hive sits closer than 25 feet to a property line, the beekeeper must install a flyway barrier at least six feet high, made of wall, fence, or dense vegetation, running 10 feet past the hive in each direction so bees are forced to fly up and over rather than through it toward neighbors; the barrier is not required if the adjoining land is undeveloped, zoned agricultural or industrial, or is a wildlife management or park area without trails within 25 feet.

1 requires hives to use removable frames kept sound and usable, a constant water source for active colonies, and prompt sealed storage of any wax comb that could attract robbing bees. with prior notice, and more often without notice if a complaint is received. Compliance is not a defense to a separate nuisance or public-health claim under Section 222-27, though it can be offered as evidence the beekeeper met accepted hobbyist standards.