Building & Development Application
The Building And Development Application (BDA) is a new application type that replaces the current Zoning Development Review Application and Building Permit Application. If you're planning a construction project, this will typically be your initial step.
The intent of the Building And Development Application is that it will require no expertise in the construction process. The application uses simplified prompts that ask only for information relevant to your project. However, this page will provide some key pieces of information.
A Building And Development Application is typically requires for the following scopes:
- Renovation or repair of an existing building or structure
- Constructing an addition to an existing building or structure
- Building a new structure
- Obtaining zoning approval for structures that don't require a permit
Please see work not requiring a permit for work that can be performed without a PLI permit. Although the Building And Development Application will inform you if you do not require a permit for your work.
Please visit our Contacts page for the Construction Inspector's contact information.
Other Agency Coordination
Every BDA will be reviewed by each of the relevant departments. This includes PLI, DCP, and DOMI. The departments will determine what is required for your project and will inform you of any additional required permits. Please see Other Agency Coordination for more information on processes related to other agencies that may relate to your permit scope. There is no need to apply for a Zoning Development Review application. The reviews associated with the ZDR are now incorporated into the BDA to remove the need for you to apply twice for the same scope. If a DOMI permit is required for the BDA scope, a DOMI reviewer will create a sub-permit for you and inform you of the requirement.
Building A Deck?
Building any deck requires a Building and Development Application, submitted via the OneStopPGH portal or in-person at the counter at 412 Blvd. of the Allies.
An uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is no more than 30" (762 mm) above grade will require a site plan, stamped by a PA-licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor at submission, but will generally not require construction drawings.
An uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is more 30" (762 mm) above grade, but is 8 feet or less from finish grade to deck surface, will require the following documents at submission:
Any decks that are covered or over 8 feet from finish grade to finished deck surface will require the following documents at submission:
- a stamped site plan as described above
- construction drawings prepared and stamped by a PA-licensed architect or engineer
The American Wood Council's "Design for Code Acceptance #6 - Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide" is a valuable resource that can be used to show code compliance for residential wooden decks. This guide includes tables for sizing all structural elements including footings. The sizing for wood members are based on exposure to exterior conditions and weather treatment of certain wood species, both of which reduce structural capacity.
Note: This guide requires a minimum post size of 6 x 6.
last updated: 09/02/2026