Pittsburgh Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Pittsburgh Zoning Overview
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's second-largest city, is located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. The city has undergone a remarkable economic transformation from its steel industry past into a center for technology, healthcare, education, and finance. Major institutions including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and UPMC drive development and innovation. Pittsburgh adopted a comprehensive new zoning code in 2016, modernizing its land use regulations.
The 2016 code introduced context-sensitive zoning districts, improved mixed-use provisions, and updated the regulatory framework to support the city's evolving neighborhoods. Pittsburgh's unique topography of steep hillsides, river valleys, and multiple bridges creates distinctive land use challenges and neighborhood identities.
Key Zoning Districts
Pittsburgh's zoning code includes single-unit residential districts (R1D-VL through R1D-H, R1A for attached), multi-unit residential (RM-L, RM-M, RM-H, RM-VH), neighborhood commercial (LNC, GC), urban centers (UC-E, UC), downtown (GT), and industrial districts. The code uses urban, suburban, and neighborhood character overlays to ensure context-appropriate development.
ADU Regulations
Pittsburgh allows accessory dwelling units in residential zones under its 2016 zoning code. ADUs are subject to size, height, and owner-occupancy requirements. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU law, so these provisions are entirely local.
Development Process
The Department of City Planning reviews development applications. Zoning variances go before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Planning Commission reviews larger projects and subdivision applications. Historic review applies in designated Neighborhood Protection Overlay districts.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Pittsburgh
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Pennsylvania
- Building Code: PA Uniform Construction Code (2018 IBC)
County — Allegheny County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 3,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 3 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
ADU Rules in Pittsburgh
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 20 ft
- Rear Setback
- 3 ft
- Side Setback
- 3 ft
- Parking
- None required
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 6-10 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Pittsburgh are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Pittsburgh permit fees →