Pittsburgh Code Chapter 609 and IPMC 302.4 prohibit grass and weeds exceeding 10 inches. Owners must mow and remove cuttings. Noxious weeds like ragweed are separately banned.
Pittsburgh enforces grass height through two overlapping provisions. Chapter 609 of the City Code declares grass or weeds above 6 inches a nuisance and requires owners to cut and destroy noxious weeds and remove all cuttings and debris. The adopted International Property Maintenance Code section 302.4 sets the enforceable threshold at 10 inches for general plant growth. Complaints are filed through Pittsburgh 311 and investigated by the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI). If an owner fails to comply within 5 days of notice, the Department of Public Works may abate the condition and bill the owner. The city may place a lien on the property for unreimbursed mowing costs through the Court of Common Pleas. Fines can reach up to $1,000 per day for persistent violations. As of January 2026, registered Managed Natural Landscapes with native plants, rain gardens, and pollinator gardens are exempt from height limits under Section 609.08.
5-day notice to comply. City may mow at owner expense and place lien on property. Fines up to $1,000 per day for persistent violations under Section 609.07.
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