Home Business in Pittsburgh, PA

If you live in Pittsburgh or are thinking about moving there, home business are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Pittsburgh has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of home business, and some of them might surprise you.

Zoning & Home Occupation Permits

Pittsburgh requires a home occupation permit from the Division of Zoning and Development Review. Applicants must waive expansion rights under Chapter 912.

Key details: Permit Authority: Division of Zoning and Development Review. Expansion Waiver: Required -- no right to expand beyond approved limits. Business License: City business privilege license may also be needed. Contact: Pittsburgh 311 -- (412) 255-2621. Code Section: Title 9, Chapter 912.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Pittsburgh caps home occupations at six one-way vehicle trips per twenty-four-hour day, limiting customer and delivery traffic to preserve residential character under the zoning code's home occupation standards.

Key details: Trip limit: 6 one-way vehicle trips per day. Governing section: Pittsburgh Code § 912.05.B.3. Permit required: Non-transferable occupancy permit from City. Enacted: Ord. No. 4-2024, eff. 2-27-2024.

Operating without a permit or exceeding six one-way vehicle trips per day violates Pittsburgh Code § 912.05; zoning enforcement can require compliance, revoke the occupancy permit, or issue citations.

Signage Rules

Home-based businesses in Pittsburgh can display only the sign required by their occupancy license: capped at 4 square feet, one per entrance, wall- or pole-mounted, and never illuminated.

Key details: Max sign size: 4 square feet. Signs allowed: One per principal entrance. Illumination: Nonilluminated only. Wall mount projection: Max 12 inches. Pole sign: 10 ft. tall, 5 ft. setback.

Any sign beyond the one licensing-required sign violates § 912.05.B.2's exterior-appearance ban and can trigger enforcement by Permits, Licenses and Inspections; home occupation occupancy permits are non-transferable and end at sale.

Home Daycare

Pittsburgh exempts in-home child care for 3 or fewer children from home occupation rules. Larger operations need a PA DHS license and local Certificate of Occupancy.

Key details: Family Child Care: Up to 6 children -- 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3290. Group Child Care: 7-12 children -- 55 Pa. Code Ch. 3280. Zoning Exemption: 3 or fewer children exempt from home occupation rules. Local Permit: Certificate of Occupancy required. Background Checks: FBI, state police, and child abuse clearances.

The Bottom Line

Pittsburgh's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Pittsburgh is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Pittsburgh can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.