Fire pit rules in Allegheny County, PA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Allegheny County permits recreational fire pits with Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) air quality restrictions. Fires must be contained in approved receptacles, burn only clean seasoned wood, and stay well clear of structures per International Fire Code adopted by PA UCC.
ACHD Article XXI governs open burning in Allegheny County, which is a federal air quality non-attainment area for fine particulates (PM2.5). Recreational fire pits are treated as open burning unless contained in a manufactured device burning clean dry wood or propane. Typical standards adopted by municipalities: fire pits must be at least 15-25 feet from any structure, property line, or combustible material, no larger than 3 feet in diameter, and attended at all times with water or extinguisher on hand. Pressure-treated lumber, painted wood, leaves, trash, and yard waste are prohibited fuels. ACHD may issue burn bans during air quality action days.
ACHD citations for prohibited materials or smoke nuisance: $100-$1,000 per day. Municipal fire code violations add local fines. Fires causing damage can trigger criminal charges under PA Crimes Code.
Allegheny County, PA
ACHD Article XXI Part F sets countywide commercial/industrial noise limits: 65 dBA day / 55 dBA night at receiving residential property lines. This is one of...
Allegheny County, PA
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) sits in Allegheny County and operates Class C airspace. Aircraft noise is federally preempted under 49 U.S.C. §40103 (...
Allegheny County, PA
Vehicle noise enforced under PA Vehicle Code Title 75 §4523 (muffler required) statewide. No countywide Allegheny ordinance. Loud exhaust, modified mufflers,...
Allegheny County, PA
Amplified music is regulated municipally, not countywide. Pittsburgh Code §601.04 prohibits amplified sound audible 100 feet from source after 10 PM. ACHD Ar...
Allegheny County, PA
Allegheny County has no countywide leaf-blower ordinance. A few municipalities (notably Mt. Lebanon and Sewickley) restrict gas-powered blower hours; Pittsbu...
Allegheny County, PA
Street parking rules vary by municipality across Allegheny County. Pittsburgh Parking Authority enforces metered zones, residential permit parking (RPP), and...
See how Allegheny County's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.