Pittsburgh, PA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Pennsylvania does not restrict residential rainwater harvesting for non-potable purposes including garden irrigation, car washing, and toilet flushing. No state permit is required for standard rain barrels or residential collection systems. Pittsburgh actively encourages green infrastructure and low-impact development as part of its stormwater management ordinance under Title 13 of the City Code. The city and Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority work together on stormwater code updates that support practices intended to harvest and use precipitation near where it falls. Rain gardens are specifically recognized under Pittsburgh Code Section 609.08 as an approved Managed Natural Landscape. If a collection system involves significant structural alterations or impacts municipal stormwater infrastructure, consultation with the Department of City Planning may be required. Large-scale systems on commercial properties may need to comply with PA Department of Environmental Protection stormwater management requirements. The Pennsylvania DEP Be Stormwater Smart program promotes residential rain barrels and rain gardens.