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.
Latest Episodes
Meatball Mergers, PennDOT Hellscapes & Emmy Noms for ‘The Pitt’
Part of the Parkway East is closing tonight so PennDot can explode the old Commercial Street Bridge and slide a new one in its place. Tra...
Mechanical Pickles, Giant Eagle's New Owner & Free Outdoor Adventures
Kroger may have just bought Giant Eagle, but this isn't the first time these two brands have been intertwined. Host Megan Harris and prod...
Where To Get a Spa Treatment in Pittsburgh
There's never a bad time for a spa day, and if you're in need of a pick-me-up, we want you to treat yourself! The City Cast Pittsburgh te...
The Best Bagels in Pittsburgh
Can you actually get a good bagel in Pittsburgh? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is on the case. We taste tested offerings from some of the...
Why Pittsburgh Has 20K Vacant Homes AND a Housing Shortage
Pittsburgh lost more than half its population since peaking in the 1950s, and our city has more than 20,000 vacant homes. How do we also...
'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
See if your Pittsburgh knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz g...
Can You Swim in Pittsburgh's Rivers? Plus, Teens in Public & Train Tours
If the hot weather has you considering a dip in the Allegheny, Mon, or Ohio, take heed! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins host Me...
Your Guide to July 2026 in Pittsburgh
There's a heatwave, but there's also no shortage of things to do in Pittsburgh! City Cast's Megan Harris, Sophia Lo, and Francesca Dabecc...
Is AI Pittsburgh's Next Labor Fight?
Ever wonder how exactly our city employees are using AI…and whether there are safeguards in place to make sure these tools are being used...
Can Pittsburgh Hold Onto Tech Startups? Plus, Household Robots and Data Centers
Pittsburgh is getting ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and we’re partnering with Public Source and Technical.ly to explore...