Penn Hills's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding deer and bears prohibited statewide under PA Game and Wildlife Code 34 Pa.C.S. 2102. Penn Hills enforces via township nuisance rules when feeding attracts wildlife and creates hazards.

Key details: State Ban: Deer and bear feeding. Agency: PA Game Commission. Bird Feeders: Allowed if not attracting bears. Fine: Up to $200. Statute: 34 Pa.C.S. 2102.

PA Game Commission fines up to $200 per violation under 34 Pa.C.S. 2102. Nuisance feeding that attracts bears can escalate to higher fines plus PGC removal orders and property postings.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Penn Hills actively enforces its wildlife feeding requirements.

Pet Limits

Penn Hills limits the number of dogs per household; kennel licenses required for 26 or more dogs per PA Dog Law. Local ordinance typically caps at 3-4 dogs per single-family dwelling.

Key details: Local Limit: 3-4 dogs typical. Kennel License: Required at 26+ dogs (state). Cats: Usually unregulated. County License: Allegheny County Treasurer. Enforcement: Code Enforcement.

Dog Law violations under 3 P.S. 459: up to $300 per day per dog. Local zoning citation for exceeding pet limit typically $100-$500 plus abatement order. Unlicensed dogs: $300 state fine.

Chickens & Livestock

Backyard chickens allowed on larger residential lots in Penn Hills with setbacks. Roosters generally prohibited or restricted due to noise. Coops must meet accessory-structure rules.

Key details: Minimum Lot: Typically 1 acre for livestock. Roosters: Prohibited in R-1/R-2. Coop Setback: 25 ft from dwellings. Permit: Check with zoning. State Rule: PDA biosecurity guidance.

Zoning citation for keeping chickens on undersized lot: $100-$500 plus abatement. Rooster nuisance citation: $100 escalating with repeats. Unregistered large flock: PDA civil penalty.

Breed Restrictions

Penn Hills has no breed-specific legislation. Dangerous-dog determinations are behavior-based under PA Dog Law 3 P.S. 459-502-A. Homeowners insurance carriers may still restrict breeds.

Key details: BSL: None. Dangerous Dog Law: 3 P.S. 459-502-A. Basis: Behavior, not breed. Insurance: May restrict independently. Registration Fee: $500/year if declared.

Dangerous-dog violation: up to $1,000 per incident plus possible euthanasia order. Failure to register a declared dangerous dog: misdemeanor-grade fines under 3 P.S. 459. Insurance cancellation common after any incident.

Penn Hills is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Dog Leash Laws

Penn Hills requires dogs to be leashed or confined on owner property per township ordinance and PA Dog Law 3 P.S. 459-305. All dogs 3+ months must be licensed through Allegheny County Treasurer.

Key details: Leash Required: All public spaces. Licensing: Annual via Allegheny County. License Fee: About 8.70 dollars (spayed/neutered). State Law: 3 P.S. 459-305.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Penn Hills actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Exotic Pets

Penn Hills prohibits wild and exotic animals in residential areas. PA Game Commission requires permits for native wildlife; venomous reptiles and large carnivores are banned outright.

Key details: Banned: Big cats, primates, venomous snakes. Permit Authority: PA Game Commission. USDA License: Required for exhibitors. Fine: Up to $500 plus removal. Statute: 34 Pa.C.S. 2961.

PA Game Commission citation up to $500 per day plus seizure under 34 Pa.C.S. 2961. Penn Hills zoning violation: $100-$500 plus immediate removal order. Criminal charges possible for venomous-reptile possession.

Compared to other cities, Penn Hills takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Beekeeping

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.

Key details: State Registration: PDA annual, free. 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..

PA Bee Law violation: up to $1,000 fine per 3 P.S. 2101 plus possible hive removal. Local zoning setback violation: $100-$500 plus abatement order. Unregistered apiary can block state assistance if colony collapse occurs.

The Bottom Line

Penn Hills is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Penn Hills, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Penn Hills's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.