McKeesport's Building Safety: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles building safety a little differently. In McKeesport, Pennsylvania, there are 4 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.
Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed
Scaffolding on public right-of-way requires a permit from the McKeesport Building Inspector. Scaffolds must meet PA UCC and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L standards.
Key details: Code: PA UCC, IBC Ch. 33. ROW Permit: Required if over sidewalk. OSHA: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L. Insurance: Liability required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Pest Control
Property owners must keep structures free of rodents and insects under the International Property Maintenance Code adopted by McKeesport. Infestations are code violations.
Key details: Code: IPMC Section 309. Owner Duty: Eliminate infestations. Enforcement: Code Enforcement. Abatement: City can lien costs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Elevator Maintenance
PA Department of Labor and Industry regulates elevators under the Elevator Law (34 Pa. Code Ch. 7). Annual inspections required; certificates must be posted. McKeesport Code Enforcement handles complaints.
Key details: Regulator: PA L&I. Inspection: Annual. Certificate: Must be posted in cab. Code: ASME A17.1 / CSA B44. Statute: 34 Pa. Code Ch. 7.
Operating an elevator with expired certificate: PA L&I fines up to $1,000 per day and out-of-service order. Failure to correct deficiencies: additional penalties and potential court injunction.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. McKeesport actively enforces its elevator maintenance requirements.
Lead Paint
Federal RRP Rule requires EPA-certified renovators for pre-1978 housing disturbing over 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior. McKeesport has substantial pre-1978 housing stock; Allegheny County Health Department enforces childhood lead poisoning prevention.
Key details: Federal RRP: Pre-1978 housing. Certification: EPA-certified firm. County: ACHD enforcement. Disclosure: Required for sale/lease.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in McKeesport's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
McKeesport is tougher than many cities when it comes to building safety. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in McKeesport, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on McKeesport's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.