Pittsburgh's land use is governed by Title 9 Zoning Code adopted 2002 and continually amended. The code establishes base districts, overlay districts, neighborhood plans, and specific Riverfront, Hill District, and Oakland zoning overlays.
Title 9 of the Pittsburgh Code defines zoning districts including R1 single-family, R2-R3 multi-family, LNC neighborhood commercial, UNC urban neighborhood commercial, and DR Downtown. Riverfront overlays along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers regulate setbacks, public access, and flood-resilient construction. Hill District and Oakland Public Realm Districts add design standards. Property owners proposing changes consult zoning administrator interpretations. The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears variances. Mt. Washington has the Public View Protection Overlay safeguarding historic overlooks.
Construction without zoning approval triggers stop-work orders, daily fines, and demolition orders. Variance denials may be appealed to Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas under Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 2019-0696, Title 9 Chapter 907) requires 10% affordable units in qualifying developments and offers density ...
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh promotes transit-oriented development along Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) light rail (the former T) and Bus Rapid Transit corridors through re...
See how Pittsburgh's specific plans overview rules stack up against other locations.
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