O’Connor Administration’s Pro-Housing and Small Business Growth Zoning Amendments Approved by Planning Commission

“Like the changes we’re making in permitting, our current zoning code doesn’t meet our modern needs or our vision for growth across the entire city,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “The zoning variance requirements have had Pittsburghers asking ‘Why can’t we?’ for years and it’s time to get to saying ‘Yes’ to a zoning code that supports making every neighborhood more vibrant through new housing and investments in our small businesses and main streets. This is an important first step in updating the zoning code, but these are small changes that will have a big impact.”  

The current zoning code contains provisions that are confusing, inconsistent and rooted in mid-20th century models, which makes it harder to build housing and support new economic opportunities. Based on public feedback and the Department of City Planning’s Zoning staff’s daily experiences with the code, the City identified common pinch points that could be immediately addressed that lead to confusion, delays and unnecessary zoning adjustments.  

As part of Mayor O’Connor’s plans for process reform announced in March following a comprehensive review, the amendments approved by the Planning Commission are changes that will make navigating the zoning code easier in order to make building and preserving housing easier.  

The amendments clean up the code’s language and remove obsolete sections, while also making technical requirements like dimensional standards and height consistent and attainable. The changes will eliminate barriers that make it harder to achieve the zoning requirements and help reduce burden on applicants.  

A full list of the changes is available here in the Zoning Administrator’s presentation to the Planning Commission. The amendments represent the first phase of a comprehensive rewrite of the zoning code that will make affordability and growth easier for Pittsburghers.  

Changes to the City Zoning Code will be available on an Online Zoning Amendment Hub on the City’s Engage PGH platform, where all proposed amendments will be explained and open for public comments.  

The Planning Commission’s approval will be sent to City Council for consideration.