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This page will address many of the common untrue rumors we hear around town. Feel free to bookmark and share as it will be continually updated.

Mt. Lebanon doesn’t allow drive-thru businesses.

FACT: Mt. Lebanon has several drive-thrus in town, including in two banks in Virginia Manor Shops and the former PNC in Uptown. They do have some safety rules though.

You can’t tear down a house in Mt. Lebanon, especially in the National Historic District.

FACT: Property owners may tear down buildings they own, provided they are approved for a demolition permit. Prior to obtaining the permit, written release from all utility companies that services have been disconnected is required and, where applicable, an asbestos exemption / abatement certificate shall also be required for all commercial buildings. As per the Statewide Building Code (UCC).

What some people *might* be confusing with permission, is the fact that once a house is removed, new infill construction have to conform to our updated codes. Sometimes, they are stricter than they used to be. To avoid that, some property owners choose to renovate the home instead of removing it.

Our National Historic District is not binding for any renovations or removals. It’s purely honorary and homes that contribute to the Historic District are treated like any other home.

Here’s a Mt. Lebanon Magazine story that covers residential teardowns.

Mt. Lebanon’s taxes are exorbitant.

FACT: At 4.5 mills in 2026, Mt. Lebanon’s municipal property taxes are cheaper than: Dormont, Scott, City of Pittsburgh, Whitehalll, South Fayette and Baldwin Borough. Only Bethel and Upper St. Clair have lower municipal tax rates than Mt. Lebanon in our area. At .8 percent, our earned income tax is cheaper than Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, the City of Pittsburgh and Whitehall.