How Penn Hills Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide

Penn Hills maintains 76 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Penn Hills falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Brush Clearance

Penn Hills follows Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Article XXI air quality rules, which generally prohibit open burning. Recreational fires must use only clean wood, propane, natural gas, or commercial fire logs, stay no larger than 3 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft, and sit at least 15 ft from any neighboring dwelling, property line, road, or sidewalk. All wood burning is banned on Air Quality Action days. Report violations to ACHD's 24-hour line at 412-687-2243.

Key details: Governing Code: ACHD Article XXI. Permitted Fuels: Clean wood, propane, gas, fire logs. Max Fire Size: 3 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft. Min Setback from Dwellings: 15 feet. Air Action Day Burning: Prohibited.

Open burning of leaves, brush, or refuse, exceeding the 3x3x2-foot recreational fire limit, burning within 15 feet of a neighbor's structure or property line, or burning on an Air Quality Action day violates ACHD Article XXI and is enforceable through ACHD civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day under PA Air Pollution Control Act, plus Property Maintenance Code citations for combustible vegetation accumulations.

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.

Fire Pit Rules

Fire pits using clean wood, propane, or natural gas may be used in Penn Hills subject to Allegheny County Health Department air quality rules. Burn barrels and earthen pit fires are not permitted. No materials other than clean wood or approved fuels may be burned. Fires should not create a smoke nuisance.

Key details: Fire Pits: Allowed with clean-burning fuel (ACHD rules). Prohibited: Burn barrels, earthen pits, trash burning. Fuel: Clean wood, propane, or natural gas only. Complaints: ACHD (412) 687-2243.

Illegal burning: $100 to $500. Unattended fire: $100 to $300. Causing a structure fire: criminal charges possible.

Outdoor Burning

Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) regulations prohibit most open burning within the county, including Penn Hills. Only clean wood, propane, or natural gas may be burned with negligible air contaminant contribution. Burning permits are generally not issued for residential open burning.

Key details: Open Burning: Generally prohibited — ACHD regulations. Allowed Fuel: Clean wood, propane, or natural gas only. Complaints: ACHD (412) 687-2243. County Authority: Allegheny County Health Department.

Illegal burning: $100 to $500 municipal fines. PA DEP violations: $100 to $1,000/day. Air quality violations: additional penalties.

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

Fireworks

PA Act 74 of 2022 allows consumer fireworks (up to 50 mg explosive) for PA residents 18+. Must be used at least 150 feet from any occupied structure. Municipalities may restrict hours to no use between 10 PM and 10 AM (except July 4 and Dec 31, when use is allowed until 1 AM). Penn Hills' noise ordinance independently restricts disruptive noise after 10 PM.

Key details: Consumer Fireworks: Legal for residents 18+ — PA Act 74/2022. Distance: 150 ft from any occupied structure. Hours: No use 10 PM–10 AM (exception: July 4 and Dec 31 until 1 AM). Fine: Up to $500 (first offense).

Summary offense: up to $500. Second offense within 3 years: up to $1,000. Display fireworks without permit: minimum $10,000 fine.

The Bottom Line

Penn Hills is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 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.