Zoning Guide

Pittsburgh Zoning & Land Use Guide

Sources checked· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:

Key Zoning Facts

Local Zoning / Building Office
City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning(412) 255-2200
Building Code Edition
PA Uniform Construction Code (2018 IBC)
ADU / Accessory Apartment
Yes
Example District
R1D-H — Single-Unit Detached Residential High
Max Height
35 ft

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

State — Pennsylvania

  • Building Code: PA Uniform Construction Code (2018 IBC)
View Pennsylvania zoning overview

County — Allegheny County

  • Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
  • Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.

Primary Zoning Districts

R1D-HSingle-Unit Detached Residential High
Min Lot
3,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
15 ft
Side Setback
3 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft
RM-MMulti-Unit Residential Moderate
Min Lot
None
Max Height
45 ft
Front Setback
10 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft
LNCLocal Neighborhood Commercial
Min Lot
None
Max Height
40 ft
Front Setback
0 ft
Side Setback
0 ft
Rear Setback
5 ft

ADU Rules in Pittsburgh

ADUs:Allowed
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
Full ADU rules for Pittsburgh →

Permit Costs & Timelines

Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines

Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.

Check current Pittsburgh permit information →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planningpittsburghpa.govOfficial sourcePittsburgh Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source

Frequently Asked Questions

What zones allow multi-family housing in Pittsburgh?
Multi-family housing is allowed in RM (Residential Multi-Unit) districts and mixed-use zones including LNC, GC, and downtown districts.