Flood Zones: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do flood zones rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Penn Hills and Pittsburgh have similar restriction levels.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
Penn Hills participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); development in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas must meet floodplain management standards under the municipal Floodplain Ordinance and 12 Pa. Code Chapter 113.
View full Penn Hills rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
Pittsburgh participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development regulations for properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. The three rivers and numerous streams present significant flood risks. Structures in flood zones must be elevated above base flood elevation and a floodplain development permit is required.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Program | NFIP participant | - |
| Freeboard | 1.5 ft above BFE (PA) | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% of market value | - |
| State Agency | PEMA (since 2021) | - |
| NFIP Participant | - | Yes — National Flood Insurance Program |
| Flood Sources | - | Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio Rivers and tributaries |
| Elevation Required | - | Above Base Flood Elevation |
| Permit Required | - | Floodplain development permit |
| FEMA Maps | - | Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
Am I in a flood zone in Penn Hills?
Check msc.fema.gov by address. Properties along Turtle Creek and other streams are most likely to be in Zone AE.
Who enforces this?
Penn Hills at (412) 342-1500.
Pittsburgh FAQ
Is my Pittsburgh property in a flood zone?
Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center or contact the city's PLI department. Areas along the three rivers and their tributaries are the primary flood risk zones.
What are flood zone building requirements in Pittsburgh?
Structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas must be elevated above Base Flood Elevation. A floodplain development permit is required for any construction or improvement in the SFHA.
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