Process Guides, Resources, & Toolkits

If you are planning on building something in the City of Pittsburgh, you may need to work with the Department of City Planning Development Review team. To make the process easier, we have put together process guides that can help to get your project moving forward. Below are links for the common review processes within the Department of City Planning.

Process Guides are regularly updated to coordinate with OneStopPGH.

Development Review

Approved Street Trees(PDF, 162KB)
This list shares the approved species of trees and how frequently each may be planted.

Administrator Exception(PDF, 283KB)
The process to follow when your project requires an Administrator Exception per the Zoning Code

Child Care and Zoning(PDF, 241KB)
Types of Child Care uses and the process for Zoning approval

Construction Management Plans(PDF, 223KB)
The process for Construction Management Plans when required in the Development Review process

Floodplain Overlay(PDF, 55KB)
FEMA flood plain requirements and property development

Geotechnical Reports(PDF, 173KB)
Why they are required, who needs to do them, and how they reviewed

Neighborhood Gateway Signage(PDF, 180KB)
What is allowed and where

Occupancy History(PDF, 146KB)
Process for users that established on a property prior to 1958

Lot Consolidation and Subdivisions(PDF, 117KB)
Why they are required, how to file for them, and what to do after approval

Site Plan Requirements(PDF, 539KB)
Everything that gets built needs a site plan to show its location--use this guide to determine what information is necessary for your project

Residential Accessory Structure Setback Requirements(PDF, 169KB)
A diagram illustrating the types of setbacks to consider when building an accessory structure (pool, shed, etc.)

Boards and Commissions

Historic Review(PDF, 105KB)
The process to follow when your project is located in a City designated historic district. For additional information see City Planning's Historic Preservation Program webpage.

Planning Commission Process(PDF, 132KB)
What projects the commission reviews, how hearings are conducted, and what to expect

After Planning Commission(PDF, 227KB)
How to proceed after your project is approved by the Planning Commission

Zoning Board of Adjustment(PDF, 168KB)
The process to follow when your project needs a variance or special exception to the zoning code. The requirements for applications to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Design Review

Design Review Process(PDF, 329KB)
The process to follow when your project requires Design Review

Urban Design Targets (UDTs)(PDF, 203KB)
If your project requires Design Review, the following Design Targets highlight important issues related to architecture and urban design

Contextual Design Advisory Panel (CDAP)(PDF, 106KB)
The process to follow when your project requires CDAP review as part of Design Review

Performance Points Process Guides

The Performance Points System encourages new developments to embrace innovation and contribute to neighborhood livability. Projects can earn points by incorporating City of Pittsburgh and community priorities such as affordable housing, public art, and energy-efficient design. This points system is part of the City’s Zoning Code (Section 915.07) and is used within a number of districts as listed below and mapped.

Some Performance Points will require a specific Pre-Application meeting.

Zero Energy or Zero Carbon Buildings

Available in RIV, UPR, UC-E, R-MU, and UC-MU Zoning Districts