McKeesport vs Penn Hills
How do home occupation permits rules compare between McKeesport, PA and Penn Hills, PA?
McKeesport and Penn Hills have similar restriction levels.
McKeesport, PA
Allegheny County
Home occupation permit required through McKeesport Zoning Office. Must be clearly incidental to residential use, occupy under 25% of floor area, no non-resident employees, no external evidence.
View full McKeesport rules →Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
Penn Hills Zoning Ordinance 2420 permits no-impact home occupations by right in all residential zones under PA Act 43 of 2002. A Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance is required before starting any home business. Higher-impact occupations require special zoning approval.
View full Penn Hills rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | McKeesport | Penn Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required from Zoning Office | Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance |
| Floor Area | 25% maximum | - |
| Employees | Residents only | Family residents only for no-impact status |
| Signage | Nameplate only | - |
| Code Section | - | Zoning Ordinance 2420 (PA Act 43/2002) |
| Floor Area Limit | - | 25 percent of dwelling maximum |
| Contact | - | Chief Zoning Officer (412) 342-1192 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
McKeesport FAQ
Can I hire employees for my home business?
No. Only people who live in the dwelling may work in the home occupation. Non-resident employees are prohibited.
Who enforces this in McKeesport?
McKeesport at (412) 675-5000.
Penn Hills FAQ
Do I need a permit for a home business in Penn Hills?
Yes. Even no-impact home occupations require a Certificate of Use, Occupancy and Compliance from the Chief Zoning Officer before operations begin. Administrative review verifies the business meets no-impact criteria under Zoning Ordinance 2420.
What qualifies as a no-impact home occupation in Penn Hills?
The business must occupy no more than 25 percent of the home, employ only family residents, generate no off-site noise or odors, produce no customer traffic beyond residential norms, and use no commercial equipment not typical of a home.
Can I see clients at my home in Penn Hills?
Not under no-impact status. On-premises customer meetings beyond minimal residential levels require a special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board, as the traffic exceeds what is permitted by right.
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