Outdoor burning rules in Pittsburgh, PA — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) regulations prohibit most open burning in Pittsburgh and surrounding municipalities. Only clean wood, propane, or natural gas may be burned with negligible air contaminant contribution. Permitted ACHD exceptions: ceremonies, disease management, firefighting training.
Open burning is prohibited except by ACHD permit or when done with negligible air contaminant contribution using clean-burning fuels. Small recreational fires using clean wood are permitted if located at least 15 feet from structures/public access areas. Nuisance burning: ACHD 24-Hour Complaint Line (412) 687-2243.
ACHD citation; potential city fire code violation. ACHD issues stop orders and fines for illegal burning.
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Title 1003 Property Maintenance Code requires general property upkeep bu...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by HOA and condo covenants...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenant...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits are filed through P...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has no specific smoker ordinance, but the Allegheny County Health Department Article XXI (Air Pollution Control Regulations) prohibits visible emi...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Fire Code under Title 1004 adopts the International Fire Code with Pennsylvania amendments. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devic...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Allegheny County.
See how other cities in Allegheny County handle outdoor burning.
See how Pittsburgh's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.