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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater Harvesting: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh

How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Penn Hills and Pittsburgh have similar restriction levels.

Penn Hills, PA

Allegheny County

Few Restrictions

Rainwater harvesting is legal and unrestricted in Allegheny County. Pennsylvania has no state statute limiting rain barrels or cisterns, and Pittsburgh actively encourages stormwater capture with PWSA rain barrel rebate programs.

View full Penn Hills rules β†’

Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County

Few Restrictions

Rainwater harvesting is legal in Pittsburgh and encouraged under the city stormwater program. Pennsylvania has no restrictions on collecting rainwater for non-potable residential use.

View full Pittsburgh rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactPenn HillsPittsburgh
LegalityFully legal-
PermitNone for rain barrels-
IncentivePWSA rebates-
Indoor UseRequires UCC plumbing permit-
Policy DriverCombined sewer overflow reduction-
Legal Status-Legal -- no state restrictions on non-potable use
Permit Required-No permit for standard rain barrels
City Policy-Encouraged under Title 13 stormwater program
State Program-PA DEP Be Stormwater Smart

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Penn Hills FAQ

Who enforces this in Allegheny County?

Allegheny County at (412) 350-4636 handles most complaints.

Who enforces this in Allegheny County?

Allegheny County at (412) 350-4636 handles most complaints.

Pittsburgh FAQ

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