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Pittsburgh, PA Invasive Plant Rules: Front Yard Gardens (2026)

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

Key Facts

Effective date
January 1, 2026
Border requirement
Border: mowed edge or fence ≤4 ft
Invasive plants
Banned from managed natural landscapes
Registration
Required with the City; fee allowed
Governing law
Pittsburgh Code § 609.08

Summary

Pittsburgh allows front-yard native, rain, and pollinator gardens under Code § 609.08, but registration is required and invasive or state-noxious plant species are banned from any managed natural landscape.

An owner, authorized agent, or authorized occupant of any privately owned lands or premises may, consistent with this subsection and all other applicable laws, statutes, rules, and ordinances, install and maintain a managed natural landscape. ... Managed natural landscapes shall not include any plant species identified as invasive by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Pittsburgh Code § 609.08 (eff. 1-1-2026), property owners may install and maintain a "managed natural landscape", rain gardens, native gardens, or pollinator gardens, in place of a mowed lawn, exempting the planting from the City's six-inch weed-height nuisance rule in Chapter 609. The landscape must have a defined border (mowed edge, fencing up to 4 feet, or a permitted property-line fence) and must be registered with the department that handles residential overgrowth violations, which may charge a registration fee. Plants identified as invasive by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, or noxious by the PA Department of Agriculture, may not be included.

Violations & Fines

An unregistered or noncompliant landscape harboring vermin can draw a violation notice; ignoring it brings penalties under Property Maintenance Code § 106.3 (Chapter 1004), separate from the routine $15 weed fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my front lawn with a native plant garden in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Pittsburgh Code § 609.08 lets owners install a managed natural landscape (native, rain, or pollinator garden) instead of turfgrass, as long as it's registered and kept within a defined border.
Are invasive plants allowed in a Pittsburgh natural landscape garden?
No. Section 609.08(d) bars any plant the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources lists as invasive, or the PA Department of Agriculture lists as noxious, from a registered managed natural landscape.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pittsburgh

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsProhibited SpeciesSome 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 invasive plant rules overview

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