Accessory Structures in Pittsburgh, PA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Pittsburgh allows ADUs in ADU Overlay Districts and certain residential zones. As of December 2024, draft ADU legislation was before the Planning Commission to expand ADU rights. Minimum lot size of approximately 10,000 sq ft commonly required. PA UCC permits and inspections required. ADUs must connect to public water/sewer.
Pittsburgh ADU and Accessory Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Pittsburgh permits Accessory Dwelling Units under Pittsburgh Code Title 9 (Zoning Code) Section 911.04.A.10. ADUs are permitted as accessory uses in many residential districts (R1A, R1D, R2, R3) subject to dimensional standards. Building, electrical, and plumbing permits are filed through the Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) via OneStopPGH.
Pittsburgh ADU Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Pittsburgh does not impose municipal development impact fees on residential ADUs. Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code Section 503-A authorizes impact fees only for transportation improvements, and Pittsburgh has not enacted any. PLI permit fees are scaled to construction value. Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) tap fees apply only if new water/sewer service is needed.
Pittsburgh ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Pittsburgh does not require owner-occupancy for ADUs under Title 9. The city imposes no residency restriction on ADU property owners. HOAs governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Planned Community Act (UPCA, 68 Pa.C.S. 5101) may impose owner-occupancy through covenants. Most Pittsburgh row-house and bungalow lots are fee-simple without HOAs.
Pittsburgh ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Pittsburgh requires a Rental Registration for all rental units including ADUs under Pittsburgh Code Title 7 Chapter 781. Pennsylvania Act 50 (1990) preempts municipal rent control. Short-term rentals are regulated under Title 7 Sec. 781.07 and require separate registration. ADU long-term rentals have no minimum lease term beyond Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Act defaults.
Pittsburgh ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Pittsburgh requires building permits for sheds and accessory structures. Permit fees range from $50–$300. Sheds, lean-tos, carports, playhouses, and similar structures are permitted accessory uses under Pittsburgh Zoning Code Chapter 912. Location, setback, and size restrictions apply per zoning district.
Pittsburgh Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions to living space in Pittsburgh require a building permit and PA UCC compliance. Zoning approval (Certificate of Occupancy) is required if the use changes to habitable space. Additional parking must be considered when a garage is removed from its parking function.
Pittsburgh Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Pittsburgh permits carports as accessory structures under Zoning Code Ch. 912. Carports go in rear and side yards only; front-yard placement is generally prohibited. Building permit required.
Pittsburgh Carport Rules and Zoning Requirements
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Pittsburgh allows permanent tiny homes on foundations meeting PA UCC standards. ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft and 15 ft tall are permitted. Minimum habitable room is 70 sq ft. Homes on wheels are not allowed.
Pittsburgh Tiny Home Zoning and Building Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for Allegheny County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pittsburgh city rules.
Accessory Structures in Allegheny County →