The Weird Things You Can and Can't Do in a Pittsburgh Backyard
Want to get a little ambitious with your backyard this summer? Maybe you're thinking of getting a beehive or some chickens, or you've decided that this is the year to install a deck, sauna, or pool. Before you go to Home Depot or call a contractor, we're here to help you brush up on Pittsburgh's rules on everything from how many animals you can keep to when you need a permit. We're bringing back a conversation with host Megan Harris, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco, and prize-winning gardener Kaydi Gratzer about what's allowed and what's off limits in your Pittsburgh backyard.
Need a refresh? We've put our do's and don'ts up on our website, and head over to OneStopPGH to apply for a permit for your next DIY.
**This episode originally aired on August 4, 2025.
Still have questions about what you can and can't do in your backyard? Call or text our HELP ME Hotline at 412-212-8893.
Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 28th episode:
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation. Sign up for the newsletter and follow us on social.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to a Pittsburgh Staycation
Who says you have to leave town to get away? From grand historic hotels and quirky neighborhood Airbnbs to cozy cabins and airport-adjace...
Pgh Restaurants Are Getting Pricier. Who’s Profiting?
Remember when dining out didn’t feel quite so expensive? Post-Gazette dining critic and City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein has the litera...
Pgh’s (Very) Tight Budget, Bad Driver Roundup & Homegrown Art
Mayor Corey O’Connor just proposed his budget for 2027. The good news: more funding for parks and rec centers. The bad news: our city is...
Snail Mail Group, Silent Book Club & More Cozy Pittsburgh Activities
The days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and Pittsburgh’s gray skies will soon be making their comeback. But instead of dreading...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: A ‘Rage Room’ That’s Saving a City — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
It’s fall in Pittsburgh, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city governme...
Fetterman-Proof Senate, Fish Nor Fowl Closure & Page's Ice Cream Truck Crash
The dust has settled after Election Day, and there’s a lot to unpack! Democrats’ big wins have changed the political landscape but nation...
Pittsburgh's Best Thanksgiving Takeout in 2026
Whether you’re hosting a small group, need some backup for a big family, or just want to grab an impressive dish to contribute to the Tha...
Did PA Dems Win a Trifecta?
Pennsylvania Democrats have declared a trifecta, saying they've taken full control of the state House, state Senate, and governor's offic...
What Could Democrats Do With More Control?
It's Election Day, and Pennsylvania Democrats are hoping to win a trifecta for the first time in decades: controlling the state Senate, H...
A Procrastinator's Guide to the 2026 PA Election
Tomorrow is Election Day! If you haven't done your homework yet, host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are here to guide...