Pittsburgh's limited-lodging framework distinguishes between owner-occupied dwellings and dedicated rentals, with zoning rules favoring operators using their primary residence as a short-term rental.
Under Ordinance 2018-1571 and the Pittsburgh Zoning Code (Title 9), short-term rentals are classified as limited lodging when offered from a dwelling unit. Owner-occupied operations face fewer zoning hurdles than dedicated commercial STR investments, particularly in single-unit residential districts. Pittsburgh does not enforce a strict statewide cap on non-primary listings, but zoning review can deny dedicated whole-home STRs in protected residential zones. Operators must register with the city and disclose whether the dwelling is their primary residence on the limited-lodging application.
Misrepresenting primary-residence status, listing in a zoning district that prohibits dedicated STRs, or operating without limited-lodging registration can lead to permit denial, zoning citations, and Title 7 penalties.
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh's 2018 short-term rental ordinance does not impose a uniform host-presence rule, but unhosted whole-home rentals must still meet permit, life-safe...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh requires all rental properties — including STRs — to obtain a Residential Housing Rental Permit under Chapter 781 (adopted Dec 19, 2024). Annual r...
See how Pittsburgh's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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