Legislation to ban rooftop gatherings gets preliminary OK

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A push to discourage dangerous rooftop gatherings won support Wednesday from Pittsburgh City Council, passing 7-0 in a preliminary vote.

Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak was absent. The legislation sponsored by council President Bruce Kraus would make clear that police have authorization to order people to climb down from rooftops.

“This is not punitive in any way. We’re not looking to fine anyone or cite anyone,” Mr. Kraus said.

Rather, Mr. Kraus has said, his proposal is meant to keep people safe. It arises from a string of injuries — some fatal — involving falls from buildingsin recent years.

City code does not explicitly enable police to say, “You have to come down,” according to Mr. Kraus.

“At least give the officers the ability to go out and say, ‘Get off the roof,’” Councilwoman Darlene Harris said. While she and Mr. Kraus are frequent adversaries, Mrs. Harris said his legislation makes sense.

Mr. Kraus said he introduced the measure following conversations with community groups. It’s common to see summertime rooftop parties “all over the place” on the South Side, part of his district where an estimated 3,000 students live, he has said.

The bill 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 projects.

A final vote is expected Tuesday.

City rules already keep people from using rooftops “for activities such as social gatherings” if those activities aren’t specifically allowed under an occupancy permit, code Director Maura Kennedy has said. It’s not clear how often city police take action to keep people off rooftops.

Also Wednesday, council gave preliminary backing to a food-focused study. The city planning department is looking to partner with the national Farmers Market Coalition to assess such markets in Pittsburgh, including their accessibility and locations.

The ultimate goal is to develop strategies for better food access, especially in areas that may face “food deserts” with few market options, said Andrew Dash, an assistant director in the planning department.

Council is scheduled to take a final vote next week on the planned study. The city’s obligation would be capped at $46,000.