Pittsburgh, PA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Pittsburgh, PA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- By-right use
- Code Section 912.02(5)
- Front setback
- matches primary structure
- Rear setback
- 5 ft (2 ft if adjacent to alley)
- Height limit
- 15 ft or 1 story, residential
- Setback exception
- Administrator's Exception, Section 925.06.G
Summary
Carports are permitted by-right as residential accessory structures in Pittsburgh, but must meet the same front and side setbacks as the main house, keep at least 5 feet off the rear lot line, and stay under 15 feet or one story tall.
Front Setback. Accessory structures shall comply with the front setback and front yard standards that apply to primary uses, except as allowed in Section 925.06.A or as an Administrator's Exception in Section 925.06.G. (See Section 925.06)
B. Rear Setback. Accessory structures and uses shall not be required to comply with the rear setback standard that applies to principal uses, except as allowed in Section 925.06.A or as an Administrator's Exception in Section 925.06.G. Accessory structures and uses shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the rear lot line when the rear lot line is not adjacent to a way. Accessory structures and uses may be set back at least two (2) feet from the rear lot line when the rear lot line is adjacent to a way.
C. Side Setbacks. Accessory structures and uses shall comply with the side setback standards that apply to primary uses, and shall not be permitted in the side yard under the Contextual Setback provisions of Section 925.06.C, but shall be permitted in the side yard in accordance with Section 925.06.A or with the Administrator Exception provisions of Section 925.06.G.
D. Setbacks from Easements. No accessory structure shall be located on any platted or recorded easement, or over any known utility.
E. Height. No accessory structure shall exceed fifteen (15) feet or one (1) story in height in a residential zoning district or twenty (20) feet in height in a nonresidential zoning district.
F.
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh's zoning code lists carports and off-street parking areas among the accessory uses and structures permitted by-right in Residential and H Districts (Code Section 912.02(5)). Like any accessory structure, a carport must comply with the front setback that applies to the primary house, sit back at least 5 feet from the rear lot line (2 feet if the rear line abuts an alley or street), and stay within the side setback required for the primary structure. Height is capped at 15 feet or one story in residential districts. A carport that can't meet those setbacks -- common on lots with driveways serving 4 or more cars -- needs an Administrator's Exception under Section 925.06.G, reviewed by the Zoning Administrator.
Violations & Fines
Carports built inside a required setback without an Administrator's Exception, or over 15 feet tall in a residential district, are zoning violations enforceable by PLI stop-work and permit denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a carport in Pittsburgh?
How close to my property line can a carport be in Pittsburgh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
How Pittsburgh compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania accessory structures overview
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