Fire Regulations in Pittsburgh, PA

If you live in Pittsburgh or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Pittsburgh has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Propane Storage

Pittsburgh regulates propane and LP-gas storage through the International Fire Code 2009, adopted citywide by the Bureau of Fire Prevention; under the Bureau's own fee schedule, LP-gas installations require no separate city permit, fee, or inspection.

Key details: Governing code: International Fire Code 2009 (adopted). City permit for LP gas: Not required, Item 105.7.10. Enforcing agency: Bureau of Fire Prevention. Local amendment authority: Pittsburgh Code § 801.02.

Storing or installing LP-gas equipment outside adopted 2009 International Fire Code standards can bring a violation citation and correction order from Pittsburgh's Bureau of Fire Prevention; penalties follow the fire code's general enforcement provisions.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Any open burning in Pittsburgh, including a backyard fire pit or bonfire, needs a $71 Fire Bureau permit under the adopted International Fire Code, plus a separate permit from the Allegheny County Health Department.

Key details: Fire Bureau permit fee: $71 (Table 105.1.4, item 105.6.30). Second permit required: Allegheny County Health Department. Base code adopted: International Fire Code/2009, city-amended. Max penalty: $1,000 fine + 90 days jail. Governing section: Pittsburgh Code § 801.02.

Burning without both permits violates the Fire Code. Penalties run up to $1,000 in fines plus costs and up to 90 days in jail per offense, with each day a separate violation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Pittsburgh's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Fireworks

Pittsburgh's Fire Code bans the manufacture, assembly, and testing of explosives and fireworks citywide, with narrow exceptions for personal ammunition reloading and licensed blasting or pyrotechnic special-effects work under NFPA standards.

Key details: Rule: Manufacture, assembly, testing of fireworks prohibited. Citation: Pittsburgh Code § 801.02 (IFC § 3304.1). Max penalty: $1,000 fine plus up to 90 days jail. Exceptions: Personal ammo reloading; licensed blasting/pyrotechnic work. Enforced by: City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

Violating the explosives/fireworks manufacturing ban carries up to $1,000 plus costs and up to 90 days in jail per offense; each day of continued violation is a separate offense under the Fire Code.

This is one of the stricter rules in Pittsburgh's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Outdoor Burning

Pittsburgh requires a Fire Bureau permit for any open burning, plus a separate permit from the Allegheny County Health Department, under the city's amended International Fire Code.

Key details: Permit fee: $71 (Fire Code item 105.6.30). Second permit required: Allegheny County Health Department. Enforcing agency: Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. Max penalty: $1,000 fine or 90 days jail. Code basis: 2009 International Fire Code, locally amended.

Fire Bureau citation for burning without a permit; conviction brings a fine up to $1,000 plus costs, or up to 90 days in jail: each day counts as a separate offense (Pittsburgh Code § 109.3).

The Bottom Line

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, 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 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.