Pittsburgh faces no fines for its 4,000+ code violations while a $50,000 Vibrant Pittsburgh membership renewal goes on hold

Top Agenda Items

• Controller audit reveals city-owned properties break code rules but face no fines
• Council pauses a $50,000 Vibrant Pittsburgh membership renewal to ask what it delivers

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Controller audit reveals city-owned properties break code rules but face no fines

The City of Pittsburgh does not pay fines for code violations on city-owned properties.

According to Controller Rachael Heisler’s code enforcement audit, there were 4,330 investigations of city-owned properties from Jan. 2021 to Dec. 2023 (the scope of the audit). That included 243 investigations on 56 violations that went to court. However, the city is not subject to fines.

“There’s no cohesive process to determine how do we even address this,” said Chief Audit Officer Lee Ajang during a Sept. 15 post agenda meeting regarding the audit. “That’s money out of the taxpayer pocket that’s going towards notices that are really just going in a bin.”

The sweeping, 10-objective audit analyzed 67,631 complaints to the 311 line and 45,413 code violations logged in the city’s software system. It also used court data limited to overgrowth (the magisterial court administrator called the initial, more inclusive request “cumbersome”) as well as policies for the departments of Public Works (DPW), Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) and Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI). 

Overall, the complaints — which covered both public and private property — reflect well-known issues throughout the city, including overgrowth, debris and icy sidewalks.

Initial code violations receive a letter of compliance. If not abated, the violation becomes a criminal complaint within the Magisterial District Court.

Council Bob Charland of the South Side—who called for the audit in 2024—noted that each of the 12 magistrates has their own rules and practices. Ajang added that the magistrates are also responsible for setting fines, which, if paid, go into the general fund.

Council pauses a $50,000 Vibrant Pittsburgh membership renewal to ask what it delivers 🔗 

A request to renew membership with Vibrant Pittsburgh illuminated a new concern for council.

The city has carried a $50,000 annual membership with Vibrant Pittsburgh since 2023. Elizabeth Cercone, Assistant Director for Operating and Special Revenue, told council during the Sept. 16 committee meeting, “This is a network for professional sharing of best practices for inclusive workspaces.”

Three council members questioned the size of the expense and asked about the city’s engagement with the organization and its efficacy. Cercone said she did not have that information available.

“I agree with the sentiment that we need to be careful with every single cent during these times,” said Council Member Erika Strassburger of Squirrel Hill North. “I would hate to target this one just because it’s before us today and not take a holistic approach to what our memberships are.”

Strassburger suggested that the administration compile a list of all memberships and training services. “This includes ones that we readily approve every time,” she said.

According to records on Legistar, in 2025, council authorized payments for 11 one-year memberships, ranging from $7,500 for the Major Cities Chiefs Association to $128,747 for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.

Council also approved seven open-end, three-year professional services agreements with five consulting agencies for creating department training services. Each agreement is worth up to $250,000 per year.

Additionally, it routinely allocates money for individual professional memberships, such as to the American Bar Association, under its weekly invoice approval.

Council agreed to hold the request regarding Vibrant Pittsburgh for one week.