Pittsburgh, PA Holiday Decorations: Holiday Light Rules (2026)

Pittsburgh City Code contains no provisions regulating when residential holiday lights may be put up, removed, brightness limits, or animation. Title 6 Chapter 619 (Open Burning) does not apply to holiday lights. Pittsburgh's annual Light Up Night downtown is a city celebration program. The dense rowhouse layout in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and South Side means lights are commonly visible from public streets. Real restrictions come from condominium and HOA covenants under PA UCA (68 Pa.C.S. 3101) and UPCA (68 Pa.C.S. 5101). Common covenant rules: installation no earlier than Thanksgiving; removal by January 31; no audio amplification; no commercial-grade animation. Historic district properties (Mexican War Streets, Manchester, Allegheny West, Deutschtown, others) may have informal guidelines from neighborhood associations though Historic Review Commission jurisdiction generally covers permanent alterations not seasonal displays. Pennsylvania has no statute protecting holiday displays from HOA regulation. Light trespass may be addressed under common-law private nuisance.