Pittsburgh Pothole Reporting - City Ordinance Guide
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania residents and visitors can report roadway damage such as potholes to the City so repairs can be scheduled. This guide explains how to file a report, what to expect from the Department of Public Works, enforcement and possible penalties, and how to track repair progress using the City's official reporting channels.
How to report a pothole
Use the City of Pittsburgh 311 service to submit location details, photos, and urgency. Include cross-streets, lane position, and any safety hazards. After you submit, you will receive a request number to track progress.
- Online: open the City 311 portal and choose "Report a Street Problem" and follow the prompts. City 311 portal[1]
- By phone: call the City 311 non-emergency line and provide location details, description, and your contact info.
- Photographs: attach clear photos showing the pothole and nearby landmarks to help crews locate the defect faster.
- Urgency: report large potholes, ones causing traffic disruption, or those that create safety risks as high priority.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City Department of Public Works (DPW) inspects and schedules repairs for reported potholes. Specific fines or statutory penalty amounts for failure to repair public street pavement are not specified on the cited City page; enforcement focuses on repair scheduling and public safety inspections.
- Enforcer: City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works handles inspection and repair scheduling; complaints and service requests are routed through 311. Public Works[2]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: the City prioritizes based on severity; specific escalation amounts or repeat-offence fine schedules are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary actions: repair orders, scheduled maintenance, or contractual repairs by DPW; in severe cases, traffic control or temporary closures may be used.
- Complaints & inspections: report via 311 or contact DPW to request inspection, provide evidence, and ask for status updates.
Applications & Forms
No separate paper application is required for routine pothole repair; use the City 311 online portal or phone line to file a service request and attach photos. The City does not publish a separate pothole repair form on the cited pages.
Action steps after you report
- Note the 311 request number and expected response time in the confirmation notice.
- Follow up if the pothole is not addressed within the advised timeframe by reopening the request or calling 311 with your request number.
- For recurring or large defects on state-numbered routes, report to PennDOT (see Help and Support / Resources below).
FAQ
- How long until a reported pothole is fixed?
- Response and repair times vary by severity and season; the City schedules based on priority after inspection. You will see estimated status updates in your 311 request.
- Can I report a pothole anonymously?
- Yes; you may submit a 311 request without providing personal contact details, though providing contact info can help staff clarify details.
- Who pays if my vehicle is damaged by a pothole?
- Claims for vehicle damage follow the City's claims process; preserve evidence and the 311 request number and contact the City's claims office for instructions.
How-To
- Open the City 311 portal or call 311 and select the street/pothole category.
- Provide exact location, lane info, and attach clear photos showing the defect.
- Save the 311 request number and check the portal for status updates until the job is closed.
- If the pothole is on a state route or not addressed, contact PennDOT or escalate via the City's complaint channels.
Key Takeaways
- Use City 311 to report potholes promptly with location and photos.
- Track repairs with the 311 request number and follow up if necessary.
- Department of Public Works enforces inspections and schedules repairs; fines or specific penalty amounts are not specified on the cited City pages.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Pittsburgh 311 portal
- City Department of Public Works
- PennDOT - statewide road reporting
- City of Pittsburgh claims and damage reporting