Pittsburgh's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 2019-0696, Title 9 Chapter 907) requires 10% affordable units in qualifying developments and offers density bonuses, parking reductions, and dimensional waivers in exchange for deeper affordability commitments.
Adopted in 2019 and expanded into permanent citywide rules, Pittsburgh's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance applies to new residential developments of 20 or more units in covered overlay districts including Lawrenceville, Bloomfield-Polish Hill, Oakland, and Manchester-Chateau. Developers must provide 10% of units affordable at 50% AMI for rentals or 80% AMI for ownership, with a 35-year affordability term. The ordinance offers density bonuses, parking minimum reductions, and height waivers as incentives. Compliance is monitored by the Department of City Planning.
Failure to provide affordable units can result in development moratorium, certificate of occupancy denial, and per-unit fines. Misrepresentation of tenant income qualification voids density bonuses retroactively.
See how Pittsburgh's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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