Stormwater Management: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do stormwater management rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Penn Hills and Pittsburgh have similar restriction levels.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
Penn Hills Stormwater Management Ordinance (Chapter 1058, Ord. 2019-2642) requires stormwater review for any earth disturbance over 1,000 sq ft or new impervious cover. Penn Hills also charges a stormwater fee under Chapter 1059.
View full Penn Hills rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
Pittsburgh enforces stormwater management regulations through its municipal code and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA). New development and significant redevelopment must implement on-site stormwater controls including retention, detention, or infiltration systems. The city is currently updating its stormwater code to align with green infrastructure and resiliency goals through the Stormwater Code and Ordinance Review process.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | 1,000 sq ft disturbance | - |
| Ordinance | Ch. 1058 Ord. 2019-2642 | - |
| Fee | Ch. 1059 ERU-based | - |
| NPDES | Required at 1 acre | - |
| Authority | - | Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) |
| Code Reference | - | Zoning Code Title 13 — Stormwater Management |
| Requirements | - | On-site retention, detention, or infiltration |
| Update | - | Code being updated for green infrastructure |
| MS4 Permit | - | NPDES MS4 permit holder |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
Do I need stormwater approval for a driveway?
Yes if you are adding 1,000+ sq ft of new impervious surface. Smaller projects are typically exempt but still must not divert runoff onto neighbors.
Who enforces this?
Penn Hills at (412) 342-1500.
Pittsburgh FAQ
What stormwater rules apply to development in Pittsburgh?
New development and significant redevelopment must implement on-site stormwater controls. The city requires retention, detention, or infiltration systems for qualifying projects under the zoning code and PWSA requirements.
Is Pittsburgh updating its stormwater regulations?
Yes. The Department of City Planning and PWSA are leading a process to update city ordinances and create a unified Stormwater Management Code aligned with green infrastructure goals.
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