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Pittsburgh, PA Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Time limit
90 consecutive days, 90 days/year
Where allowed
Any zoning district, no permit needed
Right-of-way displays
Need Mobility & Building Inspection sign-off
Governing code
Chapter 919, Signs, Title 9 Zoning
Enforcement
Bureau of Building Inspection

Summary

Pittsburgh allows temporary holiday displays and lawn decorations in every zoning district, but caps them at 90 consecutive days and 90 days total per year under the sign code's holiday exemption.

Holiday Displays. Temporary displays or signs in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday, permitted in any district provided: They shall not be displayed for a period of more than ninety (90) consecutive days nor more than ninety (90) days in any one (1) year; They may extend over public right-of-ways provided authorization is supplied by the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure and the Chief of the Bureau of Building Inspection.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Pittsburgh's zoning sign code treats holiday lawn ornaments and yard displays as an exempt sign category under Chapter 919. Section 919.03.H permits temporary decorations "clearly incidental and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday" in any zoning district, with no size limit specified, but the display can't stay up for more than 90 consecutive days, or more than 90 days total in a calendar year. A display that extends over the public right-of-way (sidewalk or street) needs sign-off from both the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure and the Chief of the Bureau of Building Inspection.

Violations & Fines

Displays kept up beyond 90 consecutive days or 90 total days per year violate the zoning sign code; the Bureau of Building Inspection enforces the sign provisions of Chapter 919.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for holiday lawn decorations in Pittsburgh?
No permit is required on your own property, but decorations can't stay up more than 90 consecutive days or 90 days total per calendar year under the zoning sign code.
Can a holiday display extend into the sidewalk or street?
Only with authorization from the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure and the Chief of the Bureau of Building Inspection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pittsburgh

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome 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

Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania holiday decorations overview

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