Pittsburgh, PA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Pittsburgh does not have a standalone tiny-home ordinance, but tiny houses are regulated through the Zoning Code Title 9 and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). A permanent tiny home built on a foundation qualifies as a single-family dwelling in residential zoning districts provided it meets UCC standards for insulation, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and structural integrity. The minimum habitable room size under PA UCC is 70 sq ft. Pittsburgh has progressively reduced minimum lot sizes in some districts to accommodate smaller housing, and the city has introduced interim housing categories for transitional units up to 400 sq ft. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which encompass many tiny-home configurations, are permitted in residential zones and capped at 1,000 sq ft and 15 ft in height. ADUs require off-street parking unless located in a walkable area with adequate transit access. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles and may not be used as permanent dwellings under current zoning. Building permits are required through PLI, with costs ranging from $550 to $1,100 depending on scope. All construction must comply with PA UCC Chapter 4 (Residential) administered through PLI.