Yes – but under strict regulation. Ordinance 8 of 2000 in general prohibits adult business defined as live entertainment, exhibition of films or so-called “massage parlors” or “model studios” in which nude bodies are exhibited. Such businesses may be deemed as public nuisances in a court of law and may be subjected to fines, injunctions and judgments for monetary damages. But, under the City Zoning Ordinance, adult businesses are permitted only in an Industrial Service District. A license is required as well as detailed information concerning ownership and financing. The zoning ordinance affects adult bookstores, adult businesses and adult entertainment in which presentations can be viewed or purchased that emphasize nudity or sexual conduct.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all public property in Aliquippa including streets and parks and in unoccupied buildings regardless of whether they are privately or publicly owned.

These machines may be placed in approved business establishments or nonprofit clubs after obtaining a permit for each machine; however, these machines are intended for amusement only; in no event may any of these machines be used as gambling devices. Violations of this ordinance or state laws governing these devices may result in fines and imprisonment (Ordinance 4-2000)

A dangerous dog is a dog that has done one or more of the following:

• Attacked or bitten a human being.
• Killed or inflicted severe injury while off the dog owner’s property
• Been used in the commission of crime

Dangerous dogs must be registered with the Aliquippa Police Department. Owners are required to comply with certain regulations as stated by City Ordinance 3-94.

Such “large” animals, including cattle, sheep and pigs, as well as fighting or “game” cocks or other animals not usually considered pets, are prohibited in Aliquippa.

You can keep up to six “small animals” like dogs and cats. In addition, you may also keep up to six puppies or kittens until they reach six months of age. Birds are also considered approved “small animals”, but they may not be raised for commercial purposes within the city.

Yes. Pet owners must keep their animals from running free and shall keep them under clean and sanitary conditions with sufficient room and with adequate drainage in the case of a kennel type of environment. Animal litter must be cleaned at least daily in a covered container that must be emptied at least twice a week into a closed disposal container such as a plastic trash bag to prevent growth of fly larvae (maggots).

Violators may be prosecuted under state law.

Building Codes in Aliquippa are regulated by the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) as adopted by City Ordinance 3 of 2004. Applications for Building Permits may be obtained at the Aliquippa City offices and must be approved prior to the start of any construction.

A violator convicted of failing to comply with the code or building permit issued by the City of Aliquippa or a directive by the City code enforcement officer during construction or change of an existing building may be ordered to pay up to $1,000 or spend up to 30 days in jail for each day the violation has existed.

Yes, if you are engaged in activities governed by the UCC Code, you must register with the City of Aliquippa, pay an annual fee of $40.00 and provide a certificate of insurance coverage with the payment.

Yes. It shall be unlawful for any person 17 or fewer years of age (under 18) to be or remain in or upon the streets within the City of Aliquippa at night during the period ending at 6:00 AM and beginning:

• At 10:00 PM for minors 11 or fewer years of age.
• At 10:30 PM for minors 12 or 13 years of age.

Yes.

These dividers may not exceed 36 inches in a front yard, or six feet in back yards and side yards.

Fences, hedges and enclosure walls shall be located at least one foot within the property line.

Yes.

Yes, for Public Recreational Purposes.

For the purposes of the ordinance, they include any device that propels a projectile by force. In addition to any type of gun – shotgun, rifle, handgun or pistol – a “firearm” also includes a pellet gun, BB gun, bow-and-arrow or crossbow, or slingshot.

Firearms may be legally discharged in the City only (1) by a police officer in line of duty, (2) for preservation of human life as described in the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, (3) hunting in designated areas and (4) on a target range registered with the City and operated using national gun-club procedures. Otherwise, discharge of any firearm in the City is prohibited.

A fine of no more than $1,000 or no more than 90 days in jail for each day an offense has occurred.

No.

Any person, group or business which causes an annoyance or disturbance to people beyond the property where such disturbance originates. Infrequent or occasional disturbances do not constitute a public nuisance.

Yes. Loitering is strictly prohibited by City Ordinance No. 2 of 2004. It shall be unlawful for any person to:

• Loiter, loaf, wander, stand or remain idle either alone and/or in consort with others in a public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building by hindering or impeding or tending to hinder or impede the free and uninterrupted passage of vehicles, traffic or pedestrians.
• Commit in or upon any public street, public highway, public sidewalk or any other public place or building any act or thing which is an obstruction or interference to the free and uninterrupted use of property or with any business lawfully conducted by anyone in or upon or facing or fronting on any such public sidewalk or any other public sidewalk or any other public place or building, all of which prevents the free and uninterrupted ingress, egress and regress therein, thereon and thereto.

Fines of not more than $300.00 or imprisonment of up to ninety (90) days can be instituted upon conviction.

Yes. Aliquippa has enacted Ordinance 1-2004, which involves the licensing and inspection of all rental units including single and multiple family dwellings, boarding and rooming houses. Completion of the annual Rental Registration Form and payment of the associated fees is required for compliance.

A vacant property that is simultaneously listed for sale is exempt from the Rental Registration Program.

The owner of the adjacent property. Generally, property lines extend beyond sidewalks and into a bordering street or highway, but local government has right-of-way over sidewalks, leaving responsibility of maintenance to the property owner. Under the ordinance, a property owner shall repair a sidewalk within 30 days’ notice by the City Code Official to make specific repairs.

Yes, but you will first have to obtain a permit from the City to make sure your design complies with specification standards for sidewalks in Aliquippa.

This is prohibited by City Ordinance. You may be warned or fined by the City Police.

First off, you must obtain a permit from the City and post a maintenance bond to insure that the street is replaced back to its original condition. A fee of $50.00 is also required. The City has detailed specifications available at the City Administrator’s office concerning proper restoration. Before digging, a Pennsylvania One Call must be made.

Yes. A license is required and an application must be prior completed and approved by the Aliquippa Police Chief. Permitted hours are regulated and the license fee is $100.00.

Yes, as provided in the International Property Maintenance Code.

Yes. Building numbers must be placed adjacent to a doorway of each improved property. Lettering shall be at four inches in height.

Yes. For safety purposes, all in-ground swimming pools must have a surrounded fence, wall or portion of a building at least 48 inches high to discourage small children from entering the property when it is unattended. Any gates must be equipped with self-latching devices on the swimming pool side that may be secured when the pool is closed. Above-ground pools must be equipped with an access ladder that may be raised and secured in a locked position when the pool is unattended…In either case, pools may not be located on front yards.

Abandoned and unlicensed vehicles either on public or private property will be tagged and towed as permitted by City ordinance and state law. Owners are subject to fines and penalties.

The speed limit is 25 miles per hour on all streets, 5 miles per hour in alleys.

Vehicles must be removed from streets as posted to allow the cleaning machine to pass unrestricted.

Yes. Zoning is a method to provide control over the uniform and orderly growth of a community, allowing for residential, commercial and industrial growth to occur in locations that provide the least amount of negative impact as possible upon neighboring properties.

In Aliquippa, there are three kinds of residential zones:

R-1 – Single Family Residential Districts providing for single-family detached dwellings, two-family dwellings, parks and playgrounds, schools, churches and essential services.

R-2 – General Residential Districts, which allow buildings in R-1 zones as well as duplexes and townhouses, multi-family dwellings and garden apartments, schools, churches and public buildings and accessory uses such as private garages and parking areas.

R-3 – Multi Family Residential Districts which include in addition to those allowed in R-1 and R-2 zones, multi-family buildings with at least six dwellings such as high-rise apartments, meeting halls, churches, personal care homes, hospitals, clinics, fire halls and office buildings.

There are four types: Further information is available by contacting the City Administrator’s Office.

Aliquippa has a single district: G-I – General Industrial Districts. In addition to conventional manufacturing uses, a G-I district allows for research laboratories, wholesale and trucking depots, and vehicle storage facilities.