McKeesport's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance 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.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends per McKeesport Code Chapter 285 (Streets and Sidewalks). Violations fined 25-300 dollars.

Key details: Deadline: 24 hours after snowfall ends. Responsibility: Abutting owner/tenant. Ice Treatment: Salt/sand/abrasive required. Fine: $25-$300 plus abatement cost. Civil Doctrine: PA Hills and Ridges.

First offense: $25-$50 plus cost of city abatement (crews clear the walk and bill the owner at roughly $150/hour plus materials). Continued violations: up to $300 per day as a summary offense, unpaid amounts lien the property per 53 Pa.C.S. §7106.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Vacant lot owners must maintain grass under 10 inches, remove debris, and secure any structures. Failure results in municipal abatement with costs billed to owner plus 10 percent admin fee.

Key details: Grass Limit: 10 inches (IPMC 302.4). Notice Period: 10 days. Abatement Fee: Cost plus 10%. Lien: Unpaid becomes tax lien. Act 90: PA Blight Reclamation Act.

Notice: 10 days to comply. Abatement: city performs work, bills owner for actual cost plus 10% administrative fee. Summary citation: $300-$1,000 per violation under Act 90. Persistent blight: Act 90 extraordinary remedies including personal liability, in rem actions, and conservatorship under 68 Pa.C.S. §§1101-1111.

Property Blight

McKeesport aggressively enforces IPMC against blighted properties. City uses PA Act 135 Conservatorship and Act 90 blight remedies. Unpaid code fines become liens and can lead to Sheriff sale.

Key details: State Tools: PA Act 90 and Act 135. Daily Fines: Up to 1000 dollars per day. Permit Denial: Statewide per Act 90. Conservatorship: Available under Act 135.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

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

Garage Sale Rules

Garage sales permitted at residences without permit, limited to 3 sales per calendar year, maximum 3 consecutive days each. No sales before 8 AM or after 8 PM.

Key details: Permit: Not required. Frequency: 3 per year maximum. Duration: 3 consecutive days. Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM. Signs: No public rights-of-way.

Exceeding 3 sales/year: citation typically $50-$200. Illegal sign posting: $25-$100 per sign plus removal. Operating as unpermitted business: home-business zoning violation $100-$500/day.

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

Trash Bin Storage

Trash receptacles must have tight-fitting lids and be stored in rear or side yard when not at curb. Violations carry fines up to 1000 dollars under IPMC adopted by McKeesport.

Key details: Lids: Tight-fitting required (IPMC 308.3.1). Storage: Rear or side yard. Curb Window: 6 PM prior evening to 24 hr after. Max Fine: Up to $1,000 per day. Code: IPMC Section 308.

First offense: written warning, 10 days to comply. Continuing violation: summary offense citation, $100-$1,000 per day under IPMC 106.4 and 53 Pa.C.S. §3321. Unpaid fines become liens on the property.

The Bottom Line

McKeesport's property maintenance 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.

Keep in mind that McKeesport 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.