🏡 Pittsburgh backyard rules

O’Connor Announces Overhaul To Permit System

Mayor Corey O’Connor is following through on his campaign promise to cut red tape for new development. Changes to the permitting system include a “fast lane” service for smaller projects, a pilot program for virtual inspections, and AI assistance to review applications for missing information. O’Connor also announced plans to overhaul the city's zoning code and said the results of the citywide master plan will help drive the changes. [TribLive / City Cast Pittsburgh]

Steelers Trade for Michael Pittman Jr.

The Black and Gold could enter a new era of strong offense with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The Indianapolis Colts traded Pittman in exchange for draft picks, and the Steelers gave him a 3-year, $59 million contract. [Sports Illustrated]

House Bills Could Set Limits on Data Centers

As more centers get built across PA, lawmakers are considering ways to protect residents from potential negative impacts. The Democratic-controlled House Energy Committee advanced two measures: one would require data centers to report how much water and energy they use; another would help communities establish regulations for data centers. [City Cast Pittsburgh / WESA]

• Gov. Josh Shapiro wants data centers to bring their own power so they don’t overwhelm the grid. He’s also considering ways to incentivize builders who follow strict environmental and transparency standards. [SpotlightPA]
• Grassroots resistance to data centers is gaining momentum across PA. [Public Source]

County Democrats Endorse State House Candidates

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee backed County Council President Pat Catena for the 45th District race. The election to replace retiring state Rep. Anita Kulik is being closely watched; Democrats currently have a one-seat majority in the House, and Republicans hope they may be able to flip Kulik's seat. See who else the committee endorsed. [WESA]

Famous Pittsburgh Sculptor Dies at 99

Internationally celebrated wood sculptor Thaddeus G. Mosley Jr. died late last week. “He was a dedicated family man, ubiquitous community pillar, and an inimitable creative force who embodied the hard-working ethos of his blue-collar Western PA roots and the innovative essence of the classic jazz music that served as his spiritual inspiration," his son, City Councilor Khari Mosley, said. [WPXI]

• Find Mosley’s work on display at the Carnegie Museum of Art and in the Cultural District Downtown. [CMOA / WESA]

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 Build?

Yes. Sheds, lean-tos, garages, carports, pools, patios, decks, playhouses, and similar small buildings are all allowed as accessory structures under Pittsburgh’s zoning code. So are fences, chicken coops, and permanent saunas. There are a ton of sizing and placement rules, and you probably need a permit. Exceptions (no permit required!) include basic interior renovations, painting, swing sets and small playgrounds, small above-ground pools, and sheds less than 200 square feet.