Rainwater harvesting is legal and unregulated for residential use in Pennsylvania. No state permit required for rain barrels or cisterns used for outdoor irrigation. McKeesport imposes no additional restrictions.
Pennsylvania has no statewide law restricting residential rainwater collection, unlike western states with prior-appropriation water rights. Residents may install rain barrels, cisterns, and downspout diverters for outdoor irrigation without permits. PA DEP encourages rainwater harvesting as a stormwater best management practice (BMP) under the Clean Streams Law (35 P.S. §691.1). Any indoor or potable use triggers plumbing code review under the PA UCC (34 Pa. Code §403) and may require DEP Safe Drinking Water Act approval. McKeesport offers no specific incentive program, but Allegheny County Conservation District occasionally runs rain barrel workshops. Larger cistern installations (>500 gallons) may require building permits under the McKeesport/PA UCC if structural considerations apply.
No penalties apply to lawful residential rainwater collection. Unpermitted cross-connections to potable water (backflow risk) violate PA UCC plumbing provisions and can bring $100-$1,000 fines plus corrective orders from PA DEP or the water utility.
McKeesport, PA
Persistent dog barking enforceable as public nuisance under McKeesport code and PA Dog Law 3 P.S. 459. Complaints handled by police and ACHD animal services.
McKeesport, PA
Industrial and commercial noise sources subject to Allegheny County Health Department Article XXI air quality and noise provisions plus McKeesport zoning per...
McKeesport, PA
Construction noise generally restricted to daytime hours (typically 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays) under McKeesport nuisance provisions. Emergency utility and public...
McKeesport, PA
Overnight parking is permitted on most McKeesport residential streets. Snow emergency routes and posted zones prohibit overnight parking when declared or sig...
McKeesport, PA
McKeesport has no citywide EV charging mandate. Residential Level 1 and Level 2 chargers require an electrical permit under the PA UCC. Public chargers exist...
McKeesport, PA
New driveways and curb cuts require a permit from McKeesport Public Works. Driveways must not drain onto public sidewalks and must use approved apron materials.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Allegheny County.
See how other cities in Allegheny County handle rainwater harvesting.
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