Allegheny County Health Department enforces Article VI Housing and Article XXIII Rodent Control requiring property owners to keep premises free of rats, roaches, and other vermin. Pittsburgh Code Chapter 635 adds local property maintenance enforcement.
The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Housing Program inspects residential properties and issues violations under Article VI for rodent harborage, insect infestations, and unsanitary conditions. Owners must eliminate rat harborage (stored debris, overgrown vegetation, open garbage) and hire licensed exterminators for active infestations. Pittsburgh BBI enforces Chapter 1001 Property Maintenance Code parallel to ACHD. Rodent bait stations must be in tamper-resistant containers. Landlords bear primary responsibility in rental units but tenants share duties for cleanliness.
ACHD citations: 150 to 1,000 dollars per violation. Pittsburgh property maintenance violations: 300 to 1,000 dollars. Continuing violations accrue daily. Severe infestations can trigger condemnation.
See how Allegheny County's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
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