Pittsburgh's Department of City Planning Announces Zoning Amendments to Improve Pittsburgh's Housing Supply
Amendments include Accessory Dwellings Units, Inclusionary Zoning, and more
Pittsburgh, PA –
Today, the Gainey Administration and City of Pittsburgh’s Department of City Planning (DCP) announced a series of zoning reforms designed to increase and diversify Pittsburgh’s housing supply, lower housing costs, and provide opportunities for residents of all income levels to find housing they can afford in neighborhoods across the city.
These proposed changes are an outcome of the 2022 Housing Needs Assessment, which provided several recommendations on land use and zoning regulations that, when implemented, have successfully led to reinvestment and population growth in cities across the country.
"I'm excited to see the City of Pittsburgh introduce this suite of zoning code updates. Throughout my All In Allegheny transition process we heard from residents all over the county who wanted to see more housing options near transit and tools for updating and modernizing zoning to support affordable housing development. Today's introduction is a key first step in this work and I look forward to working with all 130 municipalities throughout Allegheny County on common sense zoning updates that can help create more homes for our neighbors," said County Executive Sara Innamorato.
“We’ve known for a long time that many Black and Brown residents have been forced out of our city due to the rising costs of housing,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “We can’t call ourselves a welcoming city if we aren’t constantly working to make housing attainable and affordable for those who live or want to live in our city. These amendments are a huge step in the right direction.”
The primary changes include:
Transit-Oriented Development Zoning Changes
Transit-oriented development creates opportunities for a greater density of housing units near public transportation options to provide residents with easy, affordable access to jobs and services. In Pittsburgh, only 37% of the land within ½ mile of fixed guided transit (busways, trains) is zoned to allow for multi-family development. This proposal would amend the zoning map at Herron Avenue Busway Station, South Hills Junction, and Chartiers Avenue Busway Station (Sheraden Station) to allow for multi-family development around these transit stations.
Accessory Dwelling Units City-Wide
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an additional, or accessory, residential space on an existing property commonly known as backyard cottages, granny flats, or in-law suites. This amendment would allow for an independent dwelling unit within a primary structure, detached structure, or an existing accessory structure (i.e. a garage or basement).
Parking Reform
The proposed ordinance will simplify the existing Zoning Code by removing minimum parking requirements for developments and various permitted reductions in parking requirements. This will allow for greater ease in reusing existing buildings, reduce the cost of new development and re-development, and shift focus to more transportation options.
Minimum Lot Size Reform
This proposed change would remove the minimum lot size per unit, or the minimum lot area needed to develop a residential unit. This would remove a barrier that prevents housing projects from reaching the maximum number of units otherwise allowed by the zoning code, increasing the city’s housing supply and lowering the cost of housing.
Inclusionary Zoning City-Wide
Currently, the City of Pittsburgh has Inclusionary Zoning Overlay Districts in Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, Polish Hill, and the majority of Oakland. This proposed amendment would expand this city-wide, which requires new or renovated developments with 20+ units to affordably price 10% of the total units for individuals at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“It’s time that we modernize our zoning code to better reflect our changing city. These reforms will remove barriers to the construction of new housing developments that provide safe, affordable housing options for Pittsburghers of all income levels and improve multi-modal transit options and streetscapes. Ultimately, we’re working towards a city that meets the housing needs of all its residents,” said DCP Director Jamil Bey.
These proposed zoning amendments are available for public comment through November 5th. Residents may provide feedback on EngagePGH, or in person at a series of Development Activities Meetings that will be held throughout September and October 2024.
Once the public comment period has closed, these changes will be presented to the Planning Commission for hearing and recommendation before presenting to City Council in early 2025.
For more information on these amendments and opportunities to provide comment, please visit EngagePGH.
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