Allegheny County has no countywide dark-sky ordinance but many municipalities require shielded fixtures in new development. Pittsburgh Zoning §915.03 mandates full cutoff lighting for commercial and multifamily.
Pittsburgh Zoning Code §915.03.B requires all outdoor lighting for commercial, institutional, and multifamily uses to be full cutoff (zero uplight) with glare shielded at property lines. Mt Lebanon, Fox Chapel, and Sewickley Heights have residential shielding requirements. Cherry Springs State Park dark-sky preservation (while located in Potter County) has influenced PA municipal adoption of International Dark-Sky Association standards. LED color temperature limits (3000K or warmer) apply in some suburban municipalities. Residential single-family lighting is largely exempt but subject to nuisance claims for offensive glare.
Commercial lighting violations: 250 to 1,000 dollars plus required modification. Residential nuisance complaints typically handled through civil action.
Allegheny County, PA
Vehicle noise enforced under PA Vehicle Code Title 75 §4523 (muffler required) statewide. No countywide Allegheny ordinance. Loud exhaust, modified mufflers,...
Allegheny County, PA
Allegheny County has no countywide leaf-blower ordinance. A few municipalities (notably Mt. Lebanon and Sewickley) restrict gas-powered blower hours; Pittsbu...
Allegheny County, PA
No countywide Allegheny County construction-hours rule. Municipalities set their own limits. Pittsburgh allows construction 7 AM to 10 PM weekdays, 8 AM to 1...
Allegheny County, PA
ACHD Article XXI Part F sets countywide commercial/industrial noise limits: 65 dBA day / 55 dBA night at receiving residential property lines. This is one of...
Allegheny County, PA
Amplified music is regulated municipally, not countywide. Pittsburgh Code §601.04 prohibits amplified sound audible 100 feet from source after 10 PM. ACHD Ar...
Allegheny County, PA
RV and boat parking rules vary by Allegheny County municipality. Pittsburgh and most suburban communities prohibit front yard storage, require side or rear y...
See how Allegheny County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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