Pittsburgh's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, there are 5 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.

Flood Elevation Requirements

In AE flood zones, Pittsburgh requires new construction and substantial improvements to sit at least 1.5 feet above base flood elevation, per the FP-O Floodplain Overlay District.

Key details: Freeboard above BFE: 1.5 feet. Applies in: AE and A flood zones. Administered by: Zoning Administrator. Elevation basis: NAVD 1988 datum. Governing rule: FP-O Floodplain Overlay District.

Building below the regulatory flood elevation without an approved floodproofing design or Zoning Board of Adjustment variance is a zoning violation subject to permit denial or revocation, and can also void National Flood Insurance Program coverage for the structure.

Boat Dock Permits

Private pleasure boats may dock free at City-owned wharves and riverbanks except the Allegheny and Monongahela Wharves, but no boat can stay docked longer than 24 hours under rules set by the Director of Finance.

Key details: Max dock time: 24 consecutive hours for private boats. Restricted wharves: Allegheny Wharf and Monongahela Wharf excluded. Enforcing office: Director of Finance. Registration: US registration number painted on hull.

Docking a private boat over 24 hours, docking at the Allegheny or Monongahela Wharf without authorization, or failing to display registration numbers violates Chapter 463 and can draw citations from the City.

Stormwater Management

Pittsburgh requires a City-approved SWM Site Plan before any project disturbs 10,000+ sq ft of earth or adds 5,000+ sq ft of impervious area.

Key details: SWM Site Plan trigger: 10,000 sf earth disturbance or 5,000 sf impervious. Prior approval: Written City approval required before work. Right-of-way discharge: Prohibited unless no feasible alternative. Appeals: 30 days to City, then to Allegheny County C.C.P..

Summary offense; fine per City fee/penalty schedule, with each day of continued violation a separate offense and penalties cumulative.

Flood Zones

Pittsburgh participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development regulations for properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. The three rivers and numerous streams present significant flood risks. Structures in flood zones must be elevated above base flood elevation and a floodplain development permit is required.

Key details: NFIP Participant: Yes. National Flood Insurance Program. Flood Sources: Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio Rivers and tributaries. Elevation Required: Above Base Flood Elevation. Permit Required: Floodplain development permit. FEMA Maps: Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

Compared to other cities, Pittsburgh takes a harder line on flood zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Erosion Control

Pittsburgh requires erosion and sediment control BMPs on every earth-disturbance activity under its Stormwater Management Title, following state Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual design standards throughout construction.

Key details: Applies to: Regulated earth-disturbance activities citywide. SWM Site Plan trigger: 10,000 sf disturbance or 5,000 sf impervious. E&S plan also filed with: Allegheny County Conservation District. Penalty: Summary offense, daily fine per violation. Design standard: PA DEP Erosion & Sediment Pollution Control Manual.

Violating the Stormwater Management Title is a summary offense with a fine under the City's fee and penalty schedule; each day of continued violation counts as a separate offense, and the City may also seek an injunction.

The Bottom Line

Pittsburgh's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Pittsburgh is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Pittsburgh 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.