Erosion Control: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do erosion control rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh has fewer restrictions than Penn Hills.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
All earth disturbance in Penn Hills must follow 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 (PA DEP). Projects over 5,000 sq ft require a written E&S plan; over 1 acre requires NPDES permit through Allegheny County Conservation District.
View full Penn Hills rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
Pittsburgh requires erosion and sediment control measures on construction sites under its grading and excavation regulations. Projects disturbing one acre or more must obtain coverage under Pennsylvania's NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges (PAG-02) and implement an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan approved by the Allegheny County Conservation District.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Trigger | 5,000 sq ft disturbance | - |
| NPDES Trigger | 1 acre | - |
| Standard | 25 Pa. Code Ch. 102 | - |
| Permit Agency | Allegheny CCD | - |
| Threshold | - | 1 acre triggers state permit requirements |
| State Permit | - | PA NPDES PAG-02 |
| Plan Required | - | Erosion and Sediment Control Plan |
| Review | - | Allegheny County Conservation District |
| State Law | - | PA Clean Streams Law Ch. 102 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
Do I need an E&S plan for a home addition?
Small additions under 5,000 sq ft of disturbance do not require a written plan, but all projects must use silt fence and other BMPs.
Who enforces this?
Penn Hills at (412) 342-1500.
Pittsburgh FAQ
When are erosion controls required in Pittsburgh?
All construction sites must implement erosion controls. Projects disturbing 1 acre or more require a NPDES permit and an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan approved by the Allegheny County Conservation District.
Who reviews erosion control plans in Pittsburgh?
The Allegheny County Conservation District reviews erosion and sediment control plans under authority of Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law Chapter 102.
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