What to Know Before Clearing Land Around Marshall Township
Grading is a township question. Marshall Township's Chapter 88 ordinance asks for a
grading permit, reviewed by the township engineer, for new grading, excavation and fill. Under the
state's Chapter 102 rules every earth disturbance needs erosion controls, and a written erosion and
sediment plan applies from 5,000 square feet; the county conservation district runs that program.
Mulching leaves stumps flush and the ground as it lies. Requirements vary by parcel, scope and
jurisdiction, and the governing authority makes the determination.
The brush pile has nowhere to go. In Allegheny County, the Health Department, not the
township, regulates open burning: it is prohibited except by permit, and a clean wood fire is capped at
3 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet. Hauling runs into the lanternfly quarantine, where moving brush, logs and
chips is regulated and a business needs a permit. Grinding it where it stands avoids both.
Multiflora rose is a listed weed. Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture puts it on
the Class B noxious weed list, so it cannot be sold, moved or planted, and Allegheny County Parks
publishes its fact sheet for the nature center in North Park. It roots where its canes touch the ground
and its seed lasts for years, so plan more than one visit. Our
multiflora rose removal guide
sets out the schedule.