Pittsburgh, PA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Reviewing body
- Public Art & Civic Design Commission
- Approval covers
- addition, modification, relocation, removal
- Standard decision deadline
- 75 days or deemed approved
- Emergency action deadline
- 48 hours, Committee vote
- Applies to
- City-owned/managed Public Realm only
Summary
Pittsburgh's Public Art & Civic Design Commission must review and approve in writing any addition, modification, relocation, or removal of monuments, memorials, and historic objects displayed a year or more in the city's Public Realm.
The Public Art Committee of the Commission shall review and approve the addition, modification, relocation, and removal from public view of items of Public Art as defined in Section 175.02(b). Approval shall be given in writing by a quorum as defined in Section 175.01(d).
(1) Emergency Action. In case the immediate removal, modification, or relocation of any existing work of Public Art is deemed necessary by the proper authorities within the City, the Public Art Committee of the Commission shall, within forty-eight (48) hours after notice is given to them, approve or disapprove of the removal or relocation, and, in case of their failure to act within the period, they shall be deemed to have approved the action proposed. In the event that the Public Art Committee disapproves of the proposed action, the removal, modification, or relocation of the Public Art may still proceed upon approval by the Mayor.
(c) Civic Design. The Civic Design Committee of the Commission shall review and approve the design of exterior renovations, new structures, and designed sites in the Public Realm as defined in Section 175.02(a). Approval shall be given in writing by a quorum as defined in Section 175.01(d).
(1)
Full Breakdown
Chapter 175 folds "Monuments", structures or designed spaces honoring a notable event or person, into the broader category of "Public Art" the Commission oversees on City-owned or City-managed property. Its Public Art Review Committee (four artists/arts professionals plus a community representative) must approve any addition, modification, relocation, or removal of a covered monument before city agencies act; a non-emergency application is deemed approved if the Commission does not decide within 75 days, and emergency removals get a 48-hour Committee vote. The Commission can only offer non-binding advice for monuments on private property.
Violations & Fines
Removing, altering, or relocating a covered monument or memorial without the Public Art Committee's written approval violates § 175.03(b); the Commission's action must follow a written directive from the Mayor before it can even consider the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover monuments on private property?
What counts as a "Monument" under the code?
How long can the city take to decide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania historic preservation overview
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