Penn Hills, PA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Declared
- Public nuisance, police-power abatement
- Blight Triggers
- Damage, neglect, nuisance, vacancy
- Registration
- Vacant property, $400 semiannual fee
- Penalty
- $500-$3,000 per day
Summary
The Municipality of Penn Hills' Vacant and Abandoned Property Ordinance defines blighted property by hazard, neglect, and nuisance citations, then declares all abandoned real property a public nuisance subject to abatement.
All abandoned real property is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, the abatement of which pursuant to the police power is hereby declared to be necessary for the health, welfare and safety of the residents of the Municipality.
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 1434 of the Municipality's Code defines 'blighted property' as property with broken or severely damaged windows, doors, walls, or roofs that invites trespassing; maintenance out of step with neighboring properties that drags down their value; a property cited for public nuisance; or a vacant, abandoned property that is dilapidated or violates minimum health and safety standards. § 1434.08 goes further, declaring all abandoned real property in the Municipality a public nuisance, abatable under the police power. Owners and mortgagees of vacant or foreclosed property must register, keep the property secured and maintained, and submit to inspection; the Municipality may abate a violation and lien the property for the cost in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Violations & Fines
Violations carry a fine of $500 to $3,000 per day under § 1434.13, plus liens for abatement costs the Municipality incurs securing or repairing a noncompliant vacant or blighted property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Penn Hills treat blighted or abandoned property as a nuisance?
What counts as 'blighted property' in Penn Hills?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Penn Hills
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Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle property blight.