Outdoor Lighting in McKeesport, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in McKeesport or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. McKeesport has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Light Trespass

Light that crosses property lines and unreasonably interferes with a neighbor's use may be abated as a nuisance. McKeesport code enforcement can investigate complaints.

Key details: Standard: Nuisance doctrine. Foot-Candle: No local limit. Security Lights: Generally allowed. Complaint: Code Enforcement.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Dark Sky Rules

McKeesport has no dark-sky ordinance. Exterior lighting must not create nuisance glare onto adjacent properties under general nuisance provisions.

Key details: Ordinance: No dark-sky rule. Commercial: Site-plan review. Residential: Nuisance standard. Shielding: Recommended not required.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

McKeesport is more permissive than most cities when it comes to dark sky rules. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

McKeesport's outdoor lighting 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.

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