Pittsburgh Zoning Code Chapter 912 permits home occupations as accessory uses in residential districts. Only dwelling-unit residents may work in the business.
Home occupations in Pittsburgh are governed by Title Nine (Zoning Code), Chapter 912 (Accessory Uses and Structures). The use must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential character of the dwelling. No building addition or entrance visible from the street may be constructed to accommodate a home occupation. Equipment used in the business must not cause odor, vibration, noise, electrical interference, or line-voltage fluctuation perceptible beyond the lot line. Applicants must file for a home occupation permit through the Division of Zoning and Development Review and must sign an explicit waiver of any right of natural expansion beyond the approved limits. PA Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) grants Pittsburgh home-rule authority to set these local standards.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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