Brush Clearance: McKeesport vs Penn Hills
How do brush clearance rules compare between McKeesport, PA and Penn Hills, PA?
McKeesport has fewer restrictions than Penn Hills.
McKeesport, PA
Allegheny County
Property owners must maintain vegetation to prevent fire hazards. Overgrown brush within 30 feet of structures may trigger code enforcement under property maintenance code.
View full McKeesport rules →Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
Penn Hills follows Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Article XXI air quality rules, which generally prohibit open burning. Recreational fires must use only clean wood, propane, natural gas, or commercial fire logs, stay no larger than 3 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft, and sit at least 15 ft from any neighboring dwelling, property line, road, or sidewalk. All wood burning is banned on Air Quality Action days. Report violations to ACHD's 24-hour line at 412-687-2243.
View full Penn Hills rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | McKeesport | Penn Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | IPMC adopted | - |
| Enforcement | Code enforcement + Fire Marshal | - |
| Remedy | Abatement at owner cost | - |
| Lien | Placed on property | - |
| Governing Code | - | ACHD Article XXI |
| Permitted Fuels | - | Clean wood, propane, gas, fire logs |
| Max Fire Size | - | 3 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft |
| Min Setback from Dwellings | - | 15 feet |
| Air Action Day Burning | - | Prohibited |
| ACHD 24-hr Complaint | - | 412-687-2243 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
McKeesport FAQ
Who enforces this in McKeesport?
McKeesport at (412) 675-5000.
Who enforces this in McKeesport?
McKeesport at (412) 675-5000.
Penn Hills FAQ
Can I burn leaves or brush in my Penn Hills backyard?
No. Allegheny County Health Department Article XXI air quality rules, which apply throughout Penn Hills, prohibit burning leaves, brush, yard waste, garbage, treated lumber, or any material other than clean wood, propane, natural gas, or commercial fire logs. Charcoal is allowed only for food preparation. Report a violation to ACHD's 24-hour complaint line at 412-687-2243.
How big can a Penn Hills recreational fire be and how far from my neighbor?
A recreational fire in Penn Hills cannot exceed 3 feet wide by 3 feet long by 2 feet high and must sit at least 15 feet from the nearest neighboring dwelling or inhabited area, including property lines, roadways, sidewalks, and public-access areas. All wood burning is banned on Air Quality Action days announced by the Allegheny County Health Department.
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