Beekeeping: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do beekeeping rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Penn Hills and Pittsburgh have similar restriction levels.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
Beekeeping allowed in Penn Hills residential zones subject to setbacks and the state PA Bee Law (3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21). All apiaries must register annually with PA Department of Agriculture.
View full Penn Hills 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 | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| State Registration | PDA annual, free | Annual — PA Dept. of Agriculture (3 P.S. §2101) |
| Typical Setback | 10 ft from property line | - |
| Flyway Barrier | 6 ft if closer to line | - |
| Water Source | Required on-site | - |
| Statute | 3 P.S. 2101 et seq. | - |
| Hive Limit | - | Up to 2 hives — minimum 2,000 sq ft lot |
| Code Section | - | Chapter 473 — Use Regulations |
| Combination Limits | - | Chicken/goat combo may adjust hive allowance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Penn Hills?
Yes, subject to setbacks. Pennsylvania requires annual PA Department of Agriculture registration (free) under 3 P.S. 2101. Penn Hills setback practice: 10 ft from lot lines, with a 6-ft flyway barrier if hives sit closer than about 25 ft.
What are the beekeeping regulations in Penn Hills?
State: Annual PDA registration (3 P.S. 2101) plus disease inspections. Local: Zoning setbacks and nuisance rules apply — no statewide preemption. Violations up to $1,000 fine plus possible hive removal.
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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