Penn Hills, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Penn Hills, PA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- At least 10 feet
- Roadway clearance
- At least 14 feet
- Notice period
- 30 days to remove or trim
- Municipal removal penalty
- Cost plus 10% surcharge
- Maximum fine
- $600 plus up to 90 days jail
Summary
The Municipality of Penn Hills regulates planting, trimming, and removal of trees and vegetative growth citywide, requiring 10 feet of sidewalk clearance and 14 feet of roadway clearance, with municipal removal and fines for violations.
Every owner or occupant of property within the Municipality shall be required to keep limbs and branches of all trees or other vegetative growth growing upon such property in such condition that no part of such limbs or branches or of the foliage growing thereupon shall have clearance of less than 10 feet above the surface of the sidewalk or of less than 14 feet above the surface of the roadway of any street or alley.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4434863; v5 updated 2025-07-21; through 07-21-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 640 of the Municipality of Penn Hills Code bars planting or allowing trees and other vegetative growth to grow within street, alley, sidewalk, or easement lines, or in a way that obstructs or damages curbs, sewers, or utilities (§640.02). Owners must keep limbs and foliage clear of at least 10 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above roadways (§640.03). After 30 days' written or posted notice to remove, trim, or cut a violating tree, the Municipality can do the work itself and bill the owner the cost plus a 10% penalty (§640.04-640.05). Violators face a fine up to $600 and/or up to 90 days' imprisonment, with each day a separate offense (§640.08).
Violations & Fines
Violating this chapter is punishable by a fine of up to $600 and/or up to 90 days' imprisonment; each day a violation continues after notice is a separate offense (§640.08).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree near the sidewalk in Penn Hills?
What happens if I don't trim my trees after Penn Hills sends notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Penn Hills
Compare Penn Hills to another location·View the Pennsylvania landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle tree removal & heritage trees.