City Cast Pittsburgh logo
May 28, 2026

The Weird Things You Can and Can't Do in a Pittsburgh Backyard

City Cast Pittsburgh

The Weird Things You Can and Can't Do in a Pittsburgh Backyard

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

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:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
October 21

Sports Bars & Specials for Steelers in Paris

The Steelers are heading to Paris to take on the New Orleans Saints this Sunday, but you don’t need to be in the City of Love (and tbh, y...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 20

Could Ozempic Treat Addiction? Plus, Cryptid Hunting & Poll Worker Tips

Could GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy help people struggling with addiction? Pittsburgh is about to find out. A new $13.3 million stu...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 19

Why Pittsburgh's at the Center of the Grocery Store War

For better or worse, Giant Eagle has long been the main grocery store in town — beloved for its sheetcakes, bemoaned for its high prices....

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 18

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Pittsburgh? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 16

Exploding Tick Bombs, Expensive Office Conversions & How Spooky is Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh's slated to get a lot more housing, from new apartments in the Hill District to converted office buildings Downtown to a decom...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 15

Our Favorite Pittsburgh Coffee Shops

Pittsburgh has no shortage of great coffee shops. Some are perfect for getting work done. Others are better for catching up with friends....

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 14

The True Tale of Pittsburgh's Glowing Green Man

There's an urban legend that's left an eerie mark on generations of local kids: a story about a spectre with a glowing green face doomed...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 13

Fall Color, Giant Pumpkins & Pittsburgh's Best Asian Groceries

Fall foliage is starting to pop around Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris and contributor Sophia Lo share their favorite spots to soak up thos...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 11

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Another Pittsburgh school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a stric...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 9

Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art