Penn Hills, PA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Obstructing passage + police move-on order
- Covered locations
- Sidewalks, streets, near churches/schools
- Adopted
- Ordinance 1222, 1969
- Maximum fine
- Up to $1,000
- Jail exposure
- Up to 30 days
Summary
Penn Hills prohibits loafing or loitering on sidewalks and streets in a way that blocks passage near churches, schools, or businesses, once police order a person to move on.
No person shall loaf, loiter or stand upon any sidewalk, street, pavement or other public way or place in the Municipality, at or near the entrance to a church, bus station or stop, school, place of public resort or entertainment or place of business or otherwise, so as to interfere with or design to interfere with or obstruct the free passage or access of residents or travelers along any of such public ways or places, thoroughfares or to and from the places above mentioned, when ordered by a police officer to move on.
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
Under § 654.01 of the Municipality of Penn Hills Code, no one may loaf, loiter, or stand on a sidewalk, street, pavement, or other public way, especially near a church, bus stop, school, or place of business, so as to interfere with or obstruct residents' or travelers' free passage, after a police officer has ordered the person to move on. The offense turns on obstructing passage and disobeying a police move-on order, not merely on standing in place. It applies throughout Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, dating to a 1969 peace-disturbance ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 654 sets no specific fine, so the Code's general penalty applies: up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail under § 202.09, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to just stand on a Penn Hills sidewalk?
What's the penalty for violating the loitering ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Penn Hills
Compare Penn Hills to another location·View the Pennsylvania public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.