Work Not Requiring a Permit

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Work Not Requiring a Building Permit or Zoning Approval* (ROZA – Record of Zoning Approval)

  • One-story detached accessory structures used 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 not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below grade and not part of an accessible route.
  • 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.)

* Although these work scopes do not require you to apply for a Record of Zoning Approval, 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 Zoning Approval (ROZA) but No Building Permit

  • 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 building permit
  • 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

Work Not Requiring an Electrical Permit or Zoning Approval (ROZA)

  • 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

Work Not Requiring a Mechanical Permit (Including Fuel Gas Appliances/Equipment) or Zoning Approval (ROZA)

  • 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

Please note: This page only covers work not requiring a Building Permit and/or a ROZA. A Certificate of Appropriateness may still be required for work on locally designated historic structures or structures in locally designated historic districts

last updated: 30/07/2025

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