Gutters and Roofing for Pittsburg
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Pittsburg, in short
Do I need a permit to trim or remove the tree in front of my house?
For a street tree, yes. The City’s code says no one may plant, cut, trim, remove or prune a street tree, one growing in a public right-of-way or easement, without a street tree permit from the public services department, and the permit is issued without a fee. A large tree on your own lot follows a different rule.
The story of Pittsburg
Pittsburg, which the City says dates its earliest recorded history to 1839.
The City says the town incorporated in 1903 as Black Diamond and took the name Pittsburg by popular vote in 1911, and that in 1942 Camp Stoneman was built there as the main point of embarkation on the west coast during World War II.
The City’s history page puts the town’s “earliest recorded history” at 1839, when the Mexican government granted nearly 9,000 acres, known as Rancho Los Medanos, to brothers Jose Antonio Mesa and Miguel Jose Mesa Garcia.
The Pittsburg Historical Museum says that by 1849 Colonel Johnathon Drake Stevenson and Dr. William Parker had bought the land grant and established the town of New York of the Pacific.
The museum says the discovery of coal in the nearby hills “brought a rush of Welsh and English miners to the area”, and that coal went by rail to the waterfront landing, “then called Black Diamond Landing”, for shipment to San Francisco, Sacramento and Stockton.
The museum says commercial fishing began on a small scale in New York Landing by the early 1850s and grew into a large commercial fishing and canning operation by the mid 1870s, with the Black Diamond Cannery anchoring the industry until the State closed the fishery in 1957.
The City says that “In 1903, the town incorporated as Black Diamond.”
The City says that “By popular vote on February 11, 1911, the name was changed to Pittsburg, after the eastern birthplace of the steel industry.”
The museum says Pittsburg soon marketed itself as “The Industrial City Of The West.”
The City says that “In 1942, Camp Stoneman was built as the main point of embarkation on the west coast during World War II” and that “In 1954, the Camp closed, and the property was added to the City of Pittsburg for school, commercial, and residential development.”
The museum says that over 2.5 million soldiers passed through Camp Stoneman.
Fire safety
Which fire district is yours
The City’s fire code chapter says its provisions “shall be enforced by the Contra Costa County fire protection district”. Check your address with the District.
Code text current through Ordinance 25-1531, passed June 2, 2025
Where Pittsburg stands on the State’s 2025 fire hazard map
Read from the State’s 2025 map for local areas, which the State released in four phases between February 10 and March 24, 2025, with the City’s Census outline, our own estimate from sample points: the map shows land in the High and Moderate classes inside the city and no Very High land. The District’s own Pittsburg map, read by eye, shows the High land along the hills at the southern edge of the City. Which class applies at one address is for the District’s map.
State map data read with the City’s Census outline, our own estimate; District map read by eye Nov 6 2026
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The District’s map, and how to look up your address
The District’s page of Local Responsibility Area maps lists an “LRA Pittsburg Map (PDF)”. It says: “Residents and property owners are encouraged to review the map and understand their property’s designation.”
District page read Nov 6 2026
Weeds and brush
The District posts its weed deadlines by year and puts Pittsburg in its East County group, so check its page for this year’s date. The City’s weed chapter says: “Weed height must comply with Contra Costa County fire protection district minimum weed abatement standards.” Grass must be trimmed.
District page read Nov 6 2026
What the City’s fire chapter counts as hazardous vegetation
The City’s fire code chapter defines “Hazardous Vegetation” as “Vegetation that is combustible and endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard”, and its examples include “dry leaves, dry needles, dead, dying or diseased trees”.
Code text current through Ordinance 25-1531, passed June 2, 2025
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Pittsburg this month
Storm season: the City’s Storm Preparedness page says sandbags are available to Pittsburg residents at the Corporation Yard, 357 E 12th Street, between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm while supplies last, with a limit of 8 bags per household.
The Pittsburg blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
The Historical Society’s museum
The Pittsburg Historical Society’s museum, on Railroad Avenue, lists its hours as Wednesday 1-4pm and Saturday 11am-3pm, with free admission.
Museum’s site read Nov 6 2026; hours can change
Coal and a waterfront landing
The Pittsburg Historical Museum says the discovery of coal in the nearby hills brought a rush of Welsh and English miners, and that coal went by rail to a waterfront landing for shipment. More in The story of Pittsburg, below.
Museum’s page read Nov 6 2026
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A name changed by vote
The City’s history page says the town incorporated in 1903 as Black Diamond and that the name was changed to Pittsburg by popular vote in 1911. More in The story of Pittsburg, below.
City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026
A wartime embarkation camp
The City’s history page says Camp Stoneman was built in 1942 “as the main point of embarkation on the west coast during World War II”. More in The story of Pittsburg, below.
City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026
Community
Pittsburg Historical Society
The Society’s museum page says the Society “was officially recognized as an organization on October 18, 1961” and “was formed by members of Pittsburg’s early pioneer families”. The museum says it is “a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization”.
Museum’s site read Nov 6 2026; its own account
Los Medanos College
The college’s About page says it was “Established in 1974” and that its Pittsburg Campus “boasts 120 acres, a lake, advanced library, science, math and student union buildings”.
College page read Nov 6 2026; the college’s own words
City rules and regulations
A re-roof is applied for online
The City’s re-roof handout says a re-roof permit is applied for online, under “Building permit”, in the City’s Accela permit software. For a homeowner who is hiring the work, it says “it is advisable that the contractor obtain the permit because this will provide additional contractual protection for the property owner”.
Handout read by eye in Chrome Nov 6 2026, pages 1 to 3 of 5; its date is not shown on those pages
Inspections, and gutters at the final one
The handout lists inspections for a re-roof. At the final one, it says: “If gutters and rain leaders [downspouts] existed prior to the installation of the roofing, they must be installed at the time of the inspection.”
Handout read by eye in Chrome Nov 6 2026; its date is not shown on pages 1 to 3
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Roof work limited to 25 percent of the surface
On smaller jobs, the handout says: “Possibly, if the repair is limited to 25% of the roof surface, a permit will not be required.”
Handout read by eye in Chrome Nov 6 2026; the City’s own words
Protected trees on private property
The City’s tree article covers “protected” trees on property other than city-owned property. A protected tree includes a California native tree that measures “at least 50 inches in circumference (15.6 inches diameter) at four and one-half feet above grade”. Removing one takes a tree removal permit, and “All pruning of protected trees shall be performed by an arborist or a certified tree worker.”
Code text read Nov 6 2026
When you buy or sell Selling a home: check with the District
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s page on the State’s sale rule, Civil Code 1102.19, says that, on and after July 1, 2021, when a parcel with a structure is sold and the parcel is located in a High or Very High fire hazard severity zone, the seller shall provide the buyer with documentation that the property received and passed an inspection. The page does not name Pittsburg, so check with the District about your address. It says to request the inspection “Prior to closing.”
District page, undated, read Nov 6 2026
Need a hand with this? Roofing
Storms, flood and drainage
Sandbags at the Corporation Yard
The City’s Storm Preparedness page says: “Sandbags are available to Pittsburg residents at the Corporation Yard between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm while supplies last. The Corporation Yard is located at 357 E 12th Street in Pittsburg”. You check in at the front office and show ID verifying Pittsburg residency, and the limit is 8 bags per household. The page says loading help is provided for residents who call ahead so staff can be there. The page prints (925) 252-4963 for loading help, and gives the Public Works main line, 925-252-4936, for reports of fallen trees, flooded areas and water or sewer emergencies.
City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026
FEMA’s flood map and the City
FEMA’s community status book lists the City of Pittsburg as taking part in the National Flood Insurance Program, with a currently effective map date of 03/21/17. FEMA’s flood map puts a point at the city’s civic center in Zone X, “AREA OF MINIMAL FLOOD HAZARD” (FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, read in Chrome Nov 6 2026). Check FEMA’s map for your street.
FEMA record last refreshed 2026-08-25, read Nov 6 2026
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Fallen trees, flooded areas and water or sewer emergencies
The City’s Storm Preparedness page says to report “any fallen trees, flooded areas, or water/sewer emergency issue” to the Public Works main line.
City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter cleaning
Programs, loans and insurance
Check with the City Housing Rehabilitation loans
The City’s Housing Rehabilitation page says the City “provides low-interest rehabilitation loans to Pittsburg homeowners for the purpose of improving their property”. To qualify you must live in the City limits and own your home, and your household income must be “low to moderate”, a level the page says “changes annually and is based on household size and total family annual income”. “Maximum loan available is $30,000.” The page lists among the common repairs “new roofs and gutters”. It shows no open or closed word, so check with the City.
City page read in Chrome Nov 6 2026
Habitat for Humanity Home Repair
The Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley Home Repair page says: “Services are currently available in select cities in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties.” Pittsburg is on its list of Contra Costa cities. Its critical repairs include “roof repairs, upgrading electrical systems, replumbing, flooring replacement, replacing windows”, and the program “preserves homeownership for low-income residents”. The page lists dates for a Home Repair Orientation, so check it for the next one.
Habitat’s page read Nov 6 2026
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County-wide Check back Con Fire’s Low-Income Exterior Hazard Control Program: check back
Con Fire’s Measure X page says the program “Provides up to $1,500 in hazard control or weed abatement work” for “eligible low-income property owners”. The page gives no open or closed word and no date, so this draft does not show the program as open; it names no town, and the District’s weed-abatement page lists Pittsburg. Check with the District.
District pages read Nov 6 2026
County-wide Check back Fire District home hardening outreach: check back
The District’s Measure X page lists a Home Hardening Outreach Program as “Coming soon – check back for details on how to apply.”
District page read Nov 6 2026
County-wide Check back Diablo Firesafe Council’s cost-share: check back
The Council’s page says: “DFSC has temporarily closed the applications for the Partners in Wildfire Prevention fuel reduction grant match. No new applications can be submitted at this time.” It names Alameda County and Contra Costa County property owners in “areas designated as Priority Hazard Zones”, and it names no town.
Council’s page read Nov 6 2026
PG&E Energy Savings Assistance
PG&E’s page says the program can “Improve the energy efficiency of your home at no cost to you.” and that participants “must live in a house, mobile home or apartment that is at least five years old”. The program is income-qualified: the page’s income guidelines are marked “Valid through May 31, 2027.” The page names no county or town and no roof or gutter work; PG&E’s service-area page lists Pittsburg.
PG&E’s pages read Nov 6 2026
Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
Earthquake Brace + Bolt is a program of the California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body, not a State program. Its Northern California ZIP list has the line “Pittsburg 94565” as we read the list, and says “Eligibility based on ZIP Code only, city provided as reference.” Check the program’s page for whether registration is open now.
ZIP list and program pages read Nov 6 2026
State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back
California Safe Homes, the State’s grant program run through the Department of Insurance, is not open: no dated State page says it is, and the Department’s 2026 press-release index, read Oct 20 2026, lists no Safe Homes item.
Press-release index read Oct 20 2026 (California sheet)
County-wide Streamside Management Program for Landowners
The program’s page says: “If you are a Contra Costa County resident with a creek on the property, these services are available to you at no charge.”
Program page read Oct 7 2026 (county sheet)
County-wide Energy Assistance through the County
The County’s Community Services Bureau, part of the Employment and Human Services Department, takes applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which its page describes as “federally-funded” help for low income households with heating and cooling needs. The kinds of help it lists are bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and weatherization assistance. The page says applicants “must meet income guidelines”; to apply, contact the Community Services Bureau.
County page read Nov 6 2026
Extra curbside pickups
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery’s Pittsburg page says residents “may request up to two (2) per calendar year at no additional cost” of its on-call pickups of household garbage or yard waste, and that it will not pick up “building or construction materials”.
Hauler’s page read Nov 6 2026
Who serves your home in Pittsburg
- Fire: The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District; the County’s page on fire protection districts lists Pittsburg among the 13 cities the District serves.
- Water: The City of Pittsburg runs its own water system. The City’s water page says: “Our team manages Pittsburg’s water treatment plant and ensures that the pipes, pumps and meters that help us deliver your water are working well.”
- Sewer: Delta Diablo; its home page says it provides “wastewater conveyance and treatment services” for customers “in the cities of Antioch and Pittsburg, and the unincorporated community of Bay Point”.
- Garbage and recycling: Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery; its Pittsburg page says: “Single-family residents in Pittsburg receive weekly collection services for organics, recyclables, and garbage.”
- Electricity and gas: PG&E for the wires and pipes: its service-area page lists Pittsburg under Contra Costa, in an electric list and in a gas list. MCE’s Areas Served page lists Pittsburg with the words “MCE member community since 2018”.
- Schools: The Pittsburg Unified School District, which says it “serves the community of Pittsburg, California”. Check your address with the district.
Useful links: Pittsburg Unified School District · Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (fire hazard maps, weed abatement, the sale inspection) · City of Pittsburg: Storm Preparedness and Resources (sandbags) · City of Pittsburg: Housing Rehabilitation · City of Pittsburg: Reroofing handout (Building Division) · City of Pittsburg: Our History · City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg Water · City of Pittsburg: Urban Forest · Pittsburg Historical Museum · Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce: events · Delta Diablo · Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery · MCE: Areas We Serve · East Bay Regional Park District: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve · East Bay Regional Park District: Browns Island · Los Medanos College · Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley: Home Repair · Diablo Firesafe Council: Cost-Share Program · PG&E: Energy Savings Assistance Program · Earthquake Brace + Bolt · Streamside Management Program for Landowners · Contra Costa County: Community Services Bureau, Energy Assistance
The homes of Pittsburg
The Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 survey estimates 24,482 homes in Pittsburg (margin of error 647), with a median year built of 1983. About 68 percent of the homes are one-unit detached houses, about 62 percent of occupied homes are owner-occupied, and about 44 percent were built in 1979 or earlier; the percentages are our own calculation.
The 1970s
Just over one in five homes
The survey counts 5,190 of the 24,482 homes, about 21 percent, as built from 1970 to 1979, by our calculation; the margin of error on the count is 506 homes.
The 1980s
Almost one in five homes
The survey counts 4,768 homes, about 19 percent, as built from 1980 to 1989, by our calculation; the margin of error on the count is 580 homes.
1949 or earlier
About one in twelve homes
The survey counts 2,034 homes, about 8 percent, as built in 1949 or earlier (1,060 in 1939 or earlier and 974 in 1940 to 1949), by our calculation; the margin of error on the combined count is about 422 homes.
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of Pittsburg
History and character
The City’s history page puts the town’s “earliest recorded history” at 1839, when the Mexican government granted nearly 9,000 acres, known as Rancho Los Medanos, to brothers Jose Antonio Mesa and Miguel Jose Mesa Garcia.
The Pittsburg Historical Museum says that by 1849 Colonel Johnathon Drake Stevenson and Dr. William Parker had bought the land grant and established the town of New York of the Pacific.
The museum says the discovery of coal in the nearby hills “brought a rush of Welsh and English miners to the area”, and that coal went by rail to the waterfront landing, “then called Black Diamond Landing”, for shipment to San Francisco, Sacramento and Stockton.
The museum says commercial fishing began on a small scale in New York Landing by the early 1850s and grew into a large commercial fishing and canning operation by the mid 1870s, with the Black Diamond Cannery anchoring the industry until the State closed the fishery in 1957.
The City says that “In 1903, the town incorporated as Black Diamond.”
The City says that “By popular vote on February 11, 1911, the name was changed to Pittsburg, after the eastern birthplace of the steel industry.”
The museum says Pittsburg soon marketed itself as “The Industrial City Of The West.”
The City says that “In 1942, Camp Stoneman was built as the main point of embarkation on the west coast during World War II” and that “In 1954, the Camp closed, and the property was added to the City of Pittsburg for school, commercial, and residential development.”
The museum says that over 2.5 million soldiers passed through Camp Stoneman.
Pittsburg, roof and gutters
The City’s history page says Pittsburg is “Located at the point where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers meet”. The East Bay Regional Park District puts Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve “south of Pittsburg and Antioch” and Browns Island, in the Delta, “north of Pittsburg”.
Yearly rain averages about 14.33 inches, our own calculation from NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals for the two nearest weather stations, measured from the civic center: 12.60 inches at Antioch Pumping Plant #3 and 16.05 at Concord Buchanan Field, about 8 and 9 miles away. About 85 percent of the year’s rain falls from November to March at the first station and about 84 percent at the second, and June through September together bring 0.19 and 0.24 inches, our own calculation too.
The City’s Urban Forest page says the City is creating an Urban Forest Master Plan, “a long-term strategy that outlines how we will protect, maintain, and expand our tree canopy for generations to come”, and links a City Tree Inventory.
Whatever the trees around a Pittsburg house drop tends to end up on its roof and in its gutters. If yours hasn’t had a look in a while, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
Pittsburg Historical Museum
On Railroad Avenue; the museum’s page shows its original building, a recreation hall donated by the Standard Oil Company in 1963 that came from the old Los Medanos oil pumping station.
Camp Stoneman
The former army camp; the museum says its main gates were on Railroad Avenue and Army docks lined East 3rd Street.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
South of Pittsburg and Antioch, the East Bay Regional Park District says, with hills that in springtime “are covered with some of the most remarkable wildflower displays in the Bay Area”.
Browns Island
A 595-acre island in the Sacramento Delta north of Pittsburg, the East Bay Regional Park District says, at the junction of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers; “Restricted access by arrangement only.”
How we can help in Pittsburg
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
The year in Pittsburg
| January | The monthly normal is 2.68 inches at Antioch Pumping Plant #3 and 3.21 at Concord Buchanan Field, where January is the wettest month at both |
|---|---|
| April | Down to 0.91 inches at Antioch Pumping Plant #3 and 1.12 at Concord Buchanan Field |
| July | Next to no rain in the normals: 0.00 inches at both stations |
| October | The first real rain of the season: 0.42 inches at Antioch Pumping Plant #3 and 0.73 at Concord Buchanan Field, against 0.06 at both in September (NOAA’s 1991-2020 monthly normals) The District’s fire season usually expires around late October, according to its weed-abatement page |
| November | The monthly normal climbs to 1.18 inches at Antioch Pumping Plant #3 and 1.61 at Concord Buchanan Field |
| December | The monthly normal reaches 2.53 inches at Antioch Pumping Plant #3 and 3.18 at Concord Buchanan Field |
Pittsburg questions
What Pittsburg homeowners ask us
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Pittsburg?
The City’s re-roof handout covers it: a re-roof permit is applied for online, under “Building permit”, in the City’s Accela permit software, and inspections apply. If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
Where can I get sandbags in Pittsburg?
At the City’s Corporation Yard, 357 E 12th Street, between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm while supplies last. Check in at the front office and show ID verifying Pittsburg residency. The limit is 8 bags per household. As read on Nov 6 2026.
How do I find out whether my home is in a fire hazard severity zone?
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s page lists a map for Pittsburg, “LRA Pittsburg Map (PDF)”, and says: “Residents and property owners are encouraged to review the map and understand their property’s designation.”
Do I need a permit to remove a big tree on my own property in Pittsburg?
Only for a protected tree. The City’s tree article says a protected tree may be removed “upon approval of a tree removal permit”. What counts as protected is under City rules and regulations, above.
What our customers say
Get a free estimate
We usually respond promptly within the day. Phone first for emergencies: (510) 525-0880.
Where we work
Pittsburg neighbourhoods we serve
Old Town
The City’s 2015 Housing Element calls it “Old Town, the city’s downtown area.”
Marina
The City’s 2019 Visioning Report lists “Pittsburg Marina” as one of its focus areas.
Railroad Avenue
The City’s 2015 Housing Element says “In 2009, the City adopted the Railroad Avenue Specific Plan” for roughly 1,075 acres.
Also serving nearby: Bay Point · Antioch · Concord