Penn Hills's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter
If you live in Penn Hills or are thinking about moving there, environmental rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Penn Hills has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of environmental rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Erosion Control
All earth disturbance in Penn Hills must follow 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 (PA DEP). Projects over 5,000 sq ft require a written E&S plan; over 1 acre requires NPDES permit through Allegheny County Conservation District.
Key details: Plan Trigger: 5,000 sq ft disturbance. NPDES Trigger: 1 acre. Standard: 25 Pa. Code Ch. 102. Permit Agency: Allegheny CCD.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Penn Hills takes a harder line on erosion control. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Stormwater Management
Penn Hills Stormwater Management Ordinance (Chapter 1058, Ord. 2019-2642) requires stormwater review for any earth disturbance over 1,000 sq ft or new impervious cover. Penn Hills also charges a stormwater fee under Chapter 1059.
Key details: Trigger: 1,000 sq ft disturbance. Ordinance: Ch. 1058 Ord. 2019-2642. Fee: Ch. 1059 ERU-based. NPDES: Required at 1 acre.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Penn Hills's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Grading & Drainage
Grading in Penn Hills requires a permit through the Code Enforcement Department for any work moving more than a minimal amount of soil or altering drainage. Chapter 1420 construction code and Chapter 1058 stormwater ordinance both apply.
Key details: Permit Trigger: 1,000+ sq ft disturbance. Wall Engineering: Over 4 ft tall. Codes: Ch. 1420 + Ch. 1058. Enforcement: Code Enforcement 412-342-1192.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Penn Hills takes a harder line on grading & drainage. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Flood Zones
Penn Hills participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); development in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas must meet floodplain management standards under the municipal Floodplain Ordinance and 12 Pa. Code Chapter 113.
Key details: Program: NFIP participant. Freeboard: 1.5 ft above BFE (PA). Substantial Improvement: 50% of market value. State Agency: PEMA (since 2021).
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 flood zones requirements.
The Bottom Line
Penn Hills is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 4 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.
Keep in mind that Penn Hills can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.