Work Not Requiring a Permit

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Disclaimer: Because every situation is unique and can be interpreted individually by the Building Code Official, we reserve the right to make exceptions to the information listed on this page. If you have any concerns about whether or not your project fits within one of the categories below, or if you have any questions in general, please reach out to us via email at PLIAppTech@pittsburghpa.gov

Work Not Requiring a Building and Development Application*

In June 2024, OneStopPGH launched the Building and Development Application (BDA), which combined the Building Permit with Zoning approval into one application. You can apply for a BDA for work that requires only PLI review, only Zoning review, or both. However, the following types of work are exempt from PLI and Zoning regulation, and can be done without applying for a BDA:

  • One-story detached accessory structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouse and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet and they are accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling
  • Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling that are less than 24” deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above grade
  • Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling
  • Retaining walls 4'-0" or less in height, measured from the lowest level of grade to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
  • Sidewalks, and driveways that terminate in a garage, not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below grade and not part of an accessible route.
    • Storage of a vehicle on private property outside of a garage or carport IS regulated as a 'Parking Pad' and must be permitted through the BDA application process.
  • Window awnings that are attached to a single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling or Group U occupancy structure, are supported by an exterior wall and do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall
  • Movable cases, counters and partitions that are not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work. (Exterior painting on locally designated historic structures or structures in locally designated historic districts requires a Certificate of Appropriateness.)
  • Ordinary repairs. The following are NOT considered ordinary repairs, and require a BDA or other permit:
    • Cutting away a wall, partition or portion of a wall
    • The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support
    • The removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements
    • The addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical. Please note that all plumbing not associated with sprinkler systems in the City of Pittsburgh is regulated by Allegheny County Health Department, not the City.

* Although these work scopes do not require you to apply for a Building Development Application, all work done will need to comply with the City Zoning Code. If you have any questions about the code please contact the Dept of City Planning via email at zoning@pittsburghpa.gov

Work Requiring a Building and Development Application with Zoning Review Only

The following scopes of work are regulated by Zoning and not by PLI. These require Zoning review only, and do not require PLI review:

  • Fences 6 feet or less in height.
  • Chicken Coops
  • Uncovered decks where the deck floor is 30 inches or less above grade and are accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling
  • Carports (open on at least two sides), parking pads, and greenhouses accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling
  • Agricultural buildings used to store agricultural products, horticultural products and/or farm animals. Structures containing habitable spaces; spaces used to process, treat or package agricultural products; and/or a spaces occupied by the general public shall require a review by PLI
  • Oil derricks
  • Commercial shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems
  • Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to the diameter or the width does not exceed 2 to 1
  • Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery – if exterior to a building or structure
  • Any exterior work in a historic district or and individually designated historic structure

Work Not Requiring an Electrical Permit

  • While most types of work are covered under the BDA, some scopes of work are permitted through stand-alone trade permits, such as Electrical and Mechanical permits. The following scopes of work can be completed without an Electrical Permit.
  • Minor repair and maintenance work that includes the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles
  • Radio and television transmission equipment. The provisions of the Uniform Construction Code apply to equipment and wiring for power supply and the installation of towers and antennas
  • The installation of a temporary system for testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus
  • Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring in a single-family or two-family dwelling
  • The installation, alteration or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, metering or other related equipment under the ownership and control of public service agencies or utilities

Work Not Requiring a Mechanical Permit (Including Fuel Gas Appliances/Equipment)

  • As above, the following scopes of work can be completed without a Mechanical Permit.
  • A portable heating appliance, portable ventilation equipment, a portable cooling unit, and/or a portable evaporative cooler
  • Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
  • Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated under the Uniform Construction Code
  • A self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and placed into action by motors that are not more than 1 horsepower
  • The installation, alteration or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, metering or other related equipment under the ownership and control of public service agencies or utilities

last updated: 02/27/2026

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