Up on the roof?
City proposal would crack down on unsanctioned rooftop revelry
Climbers and thrill-seekers, take note: Lingering on a Pittsburgh rooftop — including your own — could land you a police order to get down.
A proposal expected Tuesday before City Council would generally ban people from passing time on roofs and roof overhangs. Exceptions would extend to city-approved rooftop gathering spots, such as permitted decks and licensed watering holes, and to maintenance and repair projects.
“I’ve always believed that we have an obligation to protect students that are doing university here. And sometimes it might even be protecting them from themselves,” said council President Bruce Kraus, the legislation sponsor.
It’s common to see summertime “rooftop parties all over the place” on the South Side, where an estimated 3,000 students live, Mr. Kraus said.
His proposal arises from a string of injuries — some fatal — involving falls from buildings in recent years.
He mentioned three in particular, including the death of a University of Pittsburgh student, Colin Montesano, 21, who fell between two Oakland apartment buildings in April.
The legislation lists no provisions for citations or other punishment. Rather, Mr. Kraus said, the idea is to give police the clear authority “to say you’ve got to come down.”
“I don’t think we’re looking for punitive action here,” he said, soon adding: “I’m not looking to harm or hurt anyone or to spoil anyone’s good time, but I do want to keep students safe while they’re here.”
Council isn’t expected to discuss the matter for several weeks. Regular meetings go on recess for much of August.
But “we’re happy to support anything that helps public safety,” said Timothy McNulty, a spokesman for Mayor Bill Peduto. He expects Mr. Peduto would probably sign the legislation, he said,although “we’ll see what comesout of council.”
Mr. Kraus represents council District 3, including the party-prone South Side Flats and parts of Oakland, Pitt’s home turf. He said constituents in both areas support the legislation, which follows a similar rule adopted in Kutztown, the borough in Berks County that is home to Kutztown University.
Asked whether the rule could keep property owners from going on their rooftops to watch fireworks or gaze at stars, Mr. Kraus said he believes “that would be left to the discretion of the officer.”
Established city ordinances already prohibit people from using rooftops “for activities such as social gatherings” if those activities aren’t specifically allowed under an occupancy permit, said Maura Kennedy, the city director of permits, licenses andinspections.
“While this bill can hopefully drive more attention to a potentially dangerous matter, it is not changing the law on the matter,” Ms. Kennedy wrote in an email. “If anyone sees people using rooftops for functions other than what they are permitted for, they should call 911 and contact the police to shut down the dangerous use — similar to how they would contact the police if, for example, they saw a party happening in a dangerous warehouse.”
It wasn’t clear how often city police already take enforcement action to keep people off rooftops. Public Safety spokeswoman Sonya Toler said authorities aren’t required to track that incident category.