🐓 Pittsburgh’s backyard rules

Mt. Washington Sign Changes… Slightly

The Pond Lehocky billboard was updated on Friday to include a Steelers logo, since the law firm is an official partner to the team. Too bad it wasn’t changed back to advertising Iron City Beer 😜 [📝 Hey Pittsburgh / KDKA]

• Yinzers on Reddit were jagging around about what might be next for the famous billboard. [r/pittsburgh]

Final Hearings Held for Proposed PPS Closures

Families and teachers had a chance to weigh in on potential Pittsburgh Public Schools closures during nine public hearings over the past few weeks. PPS is still accepting feedback through an online survey before the board takes a final vote. [WESA / PPS]

• Why is PPS proposing school closures? We talked to Superintendent Wayne Walters. [🎧City Cast Pittsburgh]

Population Surges in the Strip

The Strip District’s population has increased by 426% since 2010, according to the Strip District Neighbors’ annual report — making the neighborhood a vibrant destination for shopping, entertainment, and living. Take a look at its evolution. [SDN / Pittsburgh Magazine]

• The Strip District institution, Wholey’s, is hosting a tasting sampler this Saturday. [Wholey’s]

Shapiro, McCormick to Headline AI Summit

AI Horizons 2025 is coming to Bakery Square September 11-12. This follows July’s Energy and Innovation Summit, where President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator Dave McCormick promised more than $90 billion of investment into energy and AI in PA. [KDKA / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

• The renowned science conference Pittcon will return to Pittsburgh in 2027. [TribLive]

Backyards in the Burgh are like urban sanctuaries — if you’re lucky enough to have one. But just because it’s your property doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. We dug into the city, county, and state rules for growing, building, and entertaining so you can enjoy outdoor living while keeping the peace with your neighbors.

Can I Keep Animals?

Yes. There are limits, and it depends how big your yard is. For chickens, ducks, bees, and goats, you need at least 2,000 square feet. That can get you up to five chickens or ducks, two beehives, and two miniature goats — IF you don’t also have chickens and ducks. Full size goats are allowed on lots over 10,000 square feet. For other farm animals, you need at least two acres and an agriculture designation. Bees must also be registered with the state.

Can I Burn Things?

In small quantities, yes. City residents follow state law, so you can set off consumer grade fireworks as long as you’re 150 feet from a building or vehicle and have permission to be there. Large displays require fees, permits, and inspections. The county governs rules for burning other things, like in a campfire, burn barrel, homemade pit, Solo Stove, etc. Small fires under 3’×3’×2’ must be at least 15 feet from structures, and permits may be required. If you want to burn bigger things for “destruction,” you need an open burn permit.

Can I Work?

You can run a small business (like an Etsy shop) from home if there’s no customer traffic. No signs advertising your business are allowed. But living in a business or working from home may require a special license — check what your property is zoned for (residential, commercial, or both) to be sure.

Can I Be Naked?

Yes, according to the city, you’re safe as long as you’re out of public view. Pennsylvania law bans indecent exposure in public places, or if you are intentionally exposing yourself where others can see you. Maybe suss out the neighborhood vibe first.