Pittsburgh, PA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- SWM Site Plan trigger
- 10,000 sf earth disturbance or 5,000 sf impervious
- Prior approval
- Written City approval required before work
- Right-of-way discharge
- Prohibited unless no feasible alternative
- Appeals
- 30 days to City, then to Allegheny County C.C.P.
Summary
Pittsburgh requires a City-approved SWM Site Plan before any project disturbs 10,000+ sq ft of earth or adds 5,000+ sq ft of impervious area.
For all regulated activities that result in cumulative earth disturbances equal to or greater than ten thousand (10,000) square feet, or the addition of five thousand (5,000) square feet of impervious area... Preparation and implementation of an approved SWM Site Plan is required. No regulated activities shall commence until the City issues written approval... Surface stormwater discharges from a project site to the public right-of-way are prohibited...
Full Breakdown
Title 13 of the Pittsburgh Code sets citywide stormwater management standards. Regulated activities disturbing 10,000 square feet or more, or adding 5,000 square feet of impervious area, need an approved Stormwater Management (SWM) Site Plan before work starts, with volume and rate controls sized to the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual. Surface discharges to the public right-of-way are prohibited, and riparian buffer rules apply regardless of project size. Violations are summary offenses with daily-accruing fines plus injunctive enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Summary offense; fine per City fee/penalty schedule, with each day of continued violation a separate offense and penalties cumulative.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a Pittsburgh project need a stormwater plan?
Can stormwater drain onto the street in Pittsburgh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania environmental rules overview
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle stormwater management.