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Pittsburgh, PA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Max dock time
24 consecutive hours for private boats
Restricted wharves
Allegheny Wharf and Monongahela Wharf excluded
Enforcing office
Director of Finance
Registration
US registration number painted on hull

Summary

Private pleasure boats may dock free at City-owned wharves and riverbanks except the Allegheny and Monongahela Wharves, but no boat can stay docked longer than 24 hours under rules set by the Director of Finance.

Private pleasure boats may dock at any wharf or riverbank property owned or controlled by the City, except the Allegheny Wharf or the Monongahela Wharf at locations as shall be designated by the Director of Finance. Every pleasure boat shall have painted on each side its United States registration number. In no event shall any person dock a private pleasure boat in excess of twenty-four (24) hours. Small excursion boats shall dock as specifically authorized for each boat by the Department of Finance.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Pittsburgh's Code sets no separate "dock permit" for private pleasure boats: any private boat may tie up at City-owned wharves or riverbank property under Chapter 463, except the Allegheny Wharf and Monongahela Wharf, whose use is controlled by the Director of Finance. Each boat must display its U.S. registration number, and none may stay docked more than 24 consecutive hours. Small excursion boats need individual authorization from the Department of Finance. Commercial boats and barges are handled separately under § 463.02, docking only at the two named wharves and paying fees set annually under Chapter 170.

Violations & Fines

Docking a private boat over 24 hours, docking at the Allegheny or Monongahela Wharf without authorization, or failing to display registration numbers violates Chapter 463 and can draw citations from the City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to dock my boat in Pittsburgh?
No separate permit: private pleasure boats may dock at City-owned wharves and riverbanks under Chapter 463, except the Allegheny and Monongahela Wharves, but stays are capped at 24 hours.
How long can I leave my boat docked in Pittsburgh?
No more than 24 consecutive hours under § 463.01; longer stays require separate authorization from the Director of Finance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pittsburgh

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesHeavy RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Pittsburgh rules

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