Penn Hills's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, there are 3 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.

Weed Ordinances

Penn Hills bans noxious weeds and plant growth over 10 inches tall within 200 feet of any structure, and the same limit reaches vacant lots in developed residential areas even without a structure present.

Key details: Height limit: 10 inches, within 200 ft of structure. Vacant lot coverage: Applies even with no structure present. Mow order: 5-day notice before Municipality mows and bills. Abatement trigger: Growth above 12 inches after notice. Exemptions: Cultivated gardens, lots over 1 acre.

Failure to mow after a five-day notice lets Penn Hills cut the weeds itself and lien the property for the cost, plus general Code penalties for the underlying Existing Structures Code violation.

Native Plants

Within a riparian buffer easement created during subdivision or land development along a qualifying stream, Penn Hills law requires existing native vegetation to be protected and maintained rather than cleared, under the Municipality's stormwater ordinance.

Key details: Trigger: Streams with watershed over 10 acres. Buffer width: Minimum 35 feet from top of bank. Requirement: Protect and maintain existing native vegetation. Applies to: Riparian buffer easements in subdivisions, land development. Penalty: Up to $500 per violation, per day.

Violating the riparian buffer requirements is a summary offense under § 1058.36, punishable by up to $500 per day, and the Municipality can suspend or revoke SWM plan approval for noncompliance.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

The Municipality of Penn Hills regulates planting, trimming, and removal of trees and vegetative growth citywide, requiring 10 feet of sidewalk clearance and 14 feet of roadway clearance, with municipal removal and fines for violations.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: At least 10 feet. Roadway clearance: At least 14 feet. Notice period: 30 days to remove or trim. Municipal removal penalty: Cost plus 10% surcharge. Maximum fine: $600 plus up to 90 days jail.

Violating this chapter is punishable by a fine of up to $600 and/or up to 90 days' imprisonment; each day a violation continues after notice is a separate offense (§640.08).

The Bottom Line

Penn Hills's landscaping 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 Penn Hills is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Penn Hills's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.