Beekeeping: McKeesport vs Pittsburgh
How do beekeeping rules compare between McKeesport, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
McKeesport and Pittsburgh have similar restriction levels.
McKeesport, PA
Allegheny County
Beekeeping legal under PA Bee Law 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 with annual registration through PA Department of Agriculture. McKeesport zoning may restrict hive placement in dense residential areas.
View full McKeesport rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
Pittsburgh permits up to 2 beehives on lots of at least 2,000 square feet (Chapter 473). State registration with the PA Department of Agriculture is required under PA Bee Law (3 P.S. §2101). If also keeping chickens/goats, the overall lot and combination rules apply.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | McKeesport | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 21 | - |
| Registration | PDA — annual | - |
| Fee | $10 per 2-year cycle | - |
| Setback | 10 ft from lot line (best practice) | - |
| Barrier | 6 ft if entrance faces neighbor | - |
| Hive Limit | - | Up to 2 hives — minimum 2,000 sq ft lot |
| Code Section | - | Chapter 473 — Use Regulations |
| State Registration | - | Annual — PA Dept. of Agriculture (3 P.S. §2101) |
| Combination Limits | - | Chicken/goat combo may adjust hive allowance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
McKeesport FAQ
Can I keep bees in my McKeesport backyard?
Yes. McKeesport has no ordinance prohibiting beekeeping. Register your apiary annually with the PA Department of Agriculture, maintain 10-foot setbacks, and use a 6-foot flyway barrier if entrances face a neighbor's yard.
How do I register a hive in Pennsylvania?
Submit Apiary Registration Form (REG-001) to PA Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry with a $10 fee per location for a 2-year registration. Renewal notices are mailed before expiration.
Pittsburgh FAQ
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh permits up to 2 beehives on lots of at least 2,000 square feet (Chapter 473). State registration with the PA Department of Agriculture is required under PA Bee Law (3 P.S. §2101). If also keeping chickens/goats, the overall lot and combination rules apply.
What are the beekeeping regulations in Pittsburgh?
Hive Limit: Up to 2 hives — minimum 2,000 sq ft lot. Code Section: Chapter 473 — Use Regulations. State Registration: Annual — PA Dept. of Agriculture (3 P.S. §2101). Combination Limits: Chicken/goat combo may adjust hive allowance.
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