Allegheny County has no countywide grass-height ordinance. Municipalities enforce the International Property Maintenance Code with typical limits of 6-10 inches. Pittsburgh sets 10 inches; most suburban municipalities cap at 6-8 inches.
Under the PA UCC, most Allegheny County municipalities have adopted the IPMC, which requires premises to be kept free of excessive growth of weeds or plant matter. City of Pittsburgh Code Chapter 623 enforces a 10-inch limit on vegetation with a complaint-driven process. After notice, the municipality may cut the grass and bill the owner, often placing a lien if unpaid. Penalties compound for repeat offenders. Natural landscaping and registered meadows may be exempt if filed in advance with the municipality.
Pittsburgh: $100-$500 per offense plus abatement costs. Suburban municipalities: $25-$500, plus costs to mow, typically added to property tax.
See how Allegheny County's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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