Tree removal permit rules in McKeesport, PA β sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances β list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
No general tree removal permit required for trees on private property in McKeesport. Street trees and trees in public right-of-way require city approval.
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 β typically the strip between the sidewalk and curb, plus cartway β 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. Β§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 β Barker v. Brown, 1975). No historic or heritage tree protection ordinance applies in McKeesport.
Unauthorized removal of street tree or ROW tree: $250-$1,000 fine plus replacement cost (typically $400-$800 per 2-3 inch caliper replacement). Hazardous tree not abated after notice: city removes at owner expense plus 10% admin fee. Riparian buffer violation near rivers: PA DEP enforcement, up to $10,000/day under 35 P.S. Β§691.605.
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 tree removal & heritage trees.
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