Pittsburgh, PA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 6 inches for grass and weeds
- Compliance notice
- 5 days to fix after notice
- Individual fine
- Up to $15 plus court costs
- Commercial/multi-family fine
- $50 to $500 plus court costs
- Enforcement
- Dept. of Public Works can abate and bill
Summary
Pittsburgh requires property owners to cut noxious weeds and mow grass to no more than six inches, or face a nuisance citation and cleanup lien from the City.
It shall be the duty of every owner or occupant of real estate within the City at all times to cut and destroy noxious weeds as required and poison ivy, and to mow the grass and other weeds on their respective lots, and in the lawn space adjacent to curb lines along the front, rear and side lot lines thereof, so that neither grass nor weeds shall grow above the height of six (6) inches, and every owner or occupant shall remove the cuttings, mowings or other debris therefrom.
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh Code Chapter 609 makes it the duty of every property owner or occupant to cut noxious weeds, poison ivy, and grass exceeding six inches, and to haul away the cuttings and other debris. Unmowed lots are declared a public nuisance. The Director of Environmental Services can serve a five-day compliance notice; if the owner still doesn't comply, the Department of Public Works cuts the lot itself and bills the owner, recording the cost as a lien on the property. The City can also sue in the Court of Common Pleas to force compliance.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $15 plus court costs for most owners; $50 to $500 plus court costs for multi-family buildings with six or more units, or commercial, institutional, and municipal properties. Each day of noncompliance is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass and weeds get in Pittsburgh before it's a violation?
What happens if I ignore the City's mowing notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
How Pittsburgh compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle weed ordinances.