Pittsburgh, PA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R1D/R1A/R2/R3/RM residential districts
- No maximum lot coverage set
- NDO, LNC & NDI districts
- 90% maximum lot coverage
- Oakland Public Realm A & D
- 80% maximum lot coverage
- Oakland Public Realm B & C
- 90% maximum lot coverage
- Governing code
- Zoning Code Chapters 903, 904, 908
Summary
Pittsburgh sets no maximum lot coverage percentage for its residential zoning districts, R1D, R1A, R2, R3, and RM, controlling building bulk instead through minimum lot size, setback, and height rules. Only mixed-use districts like NDO cap coverage at 90 percent.
Maximum Floor Area Ratio 3:1 Maximum Lot Coverage 90% Minimum Front Setback none required Minimum Rear Setback
when not adjacent to a way 20 ft. when adjacent to a way 10 ft.
Minimum Exterior Sideyard Setback none required Minimum Interior Sideyard Setback none required Maximum Height 45 ft. (not to exceed 3 stories)
D. Site Plan Review.
1. General. The following shall require Site Plan Review and approval in accordance with the Site Plan Review procedures of Section 922.04:
(a) Any new construction, building addition or enlargement or exterior renovation of an existing structure on a lot that has an area of two thousand four hundred (2,400) square feet or more;
(b) Any non-residential use; or
(c) Any off street parking area that includes more than ten (10) parking spaces or more than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of surface area.
2. Standards. Any project requiring Site Plan Review in the NDO district shall be subject to the Site Plan Review Criteria of Section 922.04.E.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 903 of the Zoning Code regulates Pittsburgh's residential subdistricts (R1D, R1A, R2, R3, RM) through minimum lot size, front/rear/sideyard setbacks, and maximum height, its Site Development Standards tables list no Maximum Lot Coverage figure at any density tier. A lot coverage ceiling appears only in Chapter 904's mixed-use and commercial districts: the NDO, LNC, and NDI districts each cap coverage at 90 percent, while the Oakland Public Realm overlay subdistricts (Chapter 908) run 80 to 90 percent depending on the subdistrict. Homeowners building or expanding a single-family or rowhouse in a standard residential district face no percentage cap at all, only the setback and height limits apply.
Violations & Fines
Where a cap applies, NDO, LNC, NDI, or the Oakland Public Realm subdistricts, exceeding it requires a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment; the Bureau of Building Inspection reviews coverage at permit review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a lot coverage limit for a house in Pittsburgh?
Which Pittsburgh zoning districts do cap lot coverage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania building setbacks & zoning overview
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