Erie, PA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

The City of Erie Zoning Ordinance (codified in Article 1303 of the Codified Ordinances, adopted as Ordinance Number 80-2005) sets a maximum structure height for each zoning district as part of the bulk standards in Article 2 (District Regulations). Erie's low-density residential districts (R-1, R-2) cap principal-building height at modest residential limits, while higher-density R-3 and the commercial districts allow taller buildings consistent with downtown Erie's mixed-use fabric. The Industrial Park district is expressly capped at 50 feet, with no more than 60% of the lot area covered by main and accessory structures. The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code §§401-405) adopts the International Building Code, which adds building-height and area limits based on construction type and occupancy classification - the more restrictive of the local zoning cap and the IBC cap controls. Special structures such as cell towers, water tanks, church spires and mechanical penthouses are typically excluded from the height calculation or addressed under specific conditional-use provisions. Height variances require Zoning Hearing Board approval under the MPC at 53 P.S. §10910.2, with the applicant proving unnecessary hardship.