McKeesport, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

McKeesport does not operate a tree preservation ordinance, so removal of trees located on private property generally requires no city permit. Exceptions: (1) street trees and any tree located within the public right-of-way — typically the strip between the sidewalk and curb, plus cartway — require approval from Public Works before pruning or removal; (2) trees on city parkland, riverfront, or municipal property are protected and may only be removed by city crews or under contract; (3) trees meeting the PA DEP definition of riparian buffer within 150 feet of the Monongahela or Youghiogheny Rivers may be subject to PA Clean Streams Law (35 P.S. §691.1) and NPDES rules if removal accompanies earth disturbance over 1 acre. Property owners are responsible for hazardous trees: dead, diseased, or structurally compromised trees that pose a risk to pedestrians or neighboring structures may be ordered abated under IPMC 302.4/304 as a nuisance. Owners remain liable for injury caused by a falling tree they knew or should have known was hazardous (PA common law — Barker v. Brown, 1975). No historic or heritage tree protection ordinance applies in McKeesport.