McKeesport's HOA Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles hoa rules a little differently. In McKeesport, 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.

Board Procedures

The PA Uniform Planned Community Act (68 Pa.C.S. Ch. 51) governs HOA board procedures for communities created after 1997. Board meetings must be open to members with notice; minutes kept and available for owner inspection.

Key details: State Law: 68 Pa.C.S. Ch. 51. Meetings: Open to owners. Records: Available per §5316. Elections: Annual required. Special Meeting: 20% owner petition.

Violations of the UPCA are enforced through civil actions by owners or the PA Bureau of Corporations. Remedies include injunctions to open meetings, produce records, and hold valid elections. Attorney fees available under §5412. No criminal penalties.

Assessment & Dues

HOAs may levy assessments per declaration. PA Uniform Planned Community Act permits liens for unpaid assessments; 6-month super-priority over first mortgage for assessments.

Key details: Governing Statute: 68 Pa.C.S. §§5101-5414. Liens: Authorized by statute. Super-Priority: 6 months of dues. Collection: Via courts. Attorney Fees: Recoverable by HOA.

Unpaid assessments: lien plus late fees/interest (typically 15-18%/year capped by statute). Continued non-payment: foreclosure of the HOA lien; owner pays association's reasonable attorney fees.

Architectural Review

Architectural review committees operate under association CC&Rs. PA law requires reasonable standards and timely review. HOA approval does not replace city zoning or building permits.

Key details: Authority: CC&Rs + PA UPCA. Timing: Reasonable (typically 30-60 days). Standards: Must be reasonable, not arbitrary. City Permits: Still required. Appeals: Court of Common Pleas.

Building without ARC approval: fines per CC&Rs (often $25-$100/day); mandatory removal. Building without city permit: UCC violation up to $1,000/day plus stop-work order.

Dispute Resolution

HOA disputes in McKeesport are typically resolved through HOA internal procedures, mediation, or Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. PA Bureau of Consumer Protection handles some complaints.

Key details: Internal: Per bylaws and 68 Pa.C.S.. Small Claims: Magisterial under $12,000. Court: Allegheny County CCP. State: AG Consumer Protection. City Role: None.

Court-ordered damages and injunctive relief possible; attorney fees often shift to the losing party. Magistrate court filing fees ~$100 for claims under $12,000. Common Pleas filing fees ~$300+. Arbitration fees vary.

CC&R Enforcement

HOAs in McKeesport enforce CC&Rs through fines, liens, and civil actions under the PA Uniform Planned Community Act. Federal protections exist for flags and satellite dishes; state solar protections are limited. The city does not enforce private CC&Rs.

Key details: Remedies: Fines, liens, suits. Solar Law: None in PA. Flag: Federal protection (U.S. flag). Satellite: FCC OTARD Rule. City Role: None.

HOA fines per the declaration, often $25-$500 per violation with continuing daily fines possible. Liens can force sale of the unit under §5315. Attorney fees can add thousands to the bill. First-time waivers common but escalate quickly.

The Bottom Line

McKeesport's hoa 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 McKeesport is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from McKeesport's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.