EZ Permits (Pilot)

The City of Pittsburgh is rolling out ‘EZ Permits’ as a pilot program as part of Mayor O’Connor’s permitting reform initiative.

EZ Permits are a faster, simpler permitting option for common, low-risk projects that do not require plan review. Pick one eligible scope of work, attest that the information is correct, and get your permit. Eligible applications are issued within one business day after the required application and license information is verified.

EZ Permits are available for certain eligible projects and offer a simpler application process. To find out if your project qualifies, check the eligible work list below, or answer a few short questions in the OneStopPGH permitting portal.

  STANDARD PERMIT EZ PERMIT
Plans/Drawings required Yes No
Typical review time Standard SLAs; 15-30 business days 1 business day
Scopes per application Multiple allowed One scope only
Who reviews it Plan review staff No plan review / Application Technicians verify license holder
Who’s responsible for accuracy Shared with reviewer The applicant, by attestation
Fee Varies by project scope Varies by project scope; No additional fee

Types of projects that qualify for an EZ Permit:

Eligible scopes are different for residential and commercial structures. Pick your structure type to see the scopes that apply to your project.

Please be aware that EZ Permits cover one scope of work only. If your project involves multiple EZ eligible scopes of work, you will need to apply for a standard permit instead. Projects with multiple EZ eligible scopes of work will still bypass completeness check and progress directly to verification.

Residential

EZ Building Permits 

Replacement of Windows and/or Doors

EZ Eligible:

  • Replace exterior windows or doors in the same openings
  • Install flashing, air sealing, safety glass, and code-compliant replacement units

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Change a structural header, lintel, or load-bearing wall
  • Add a bay window, dormer, window well, or addition
  • Change an opening that is required to be fire-rated

Removal or installation of Non-Load Bearing Wall

EZ Eligible:

  • Remove, move, or install interior walls that do not support the building
  • Install the related drywall and finishes
  • Keep all required room sizes, ceiling heights, natural light, ventilation, exits, and fire-protection features unchanged.

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Change a load-bearing wall, column, beam, exterior wall, or party wall
  • Change a stair enclosure, shaft, rated corridor, or other fire-rated wall
  • Add a bedroom, dwelling unit, or different use
  • Change stairs or create an opening in a floor
  • Affect an exit path or required accessibility feature

Unsure whether a wall is load-bearing or fire-rated? Do not apply for an EZ Permit. Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead. 

Roofing

EZ Eligible:

  • Remove and replace an existing roof covering
  • Replace flashing, underlayment, drip edge, and insulation exposed by the roofing work
  • Replace damaged sheathing discovered during the work, up to 10% of the roof area

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Replace more than 10% of the roof sheathing
  • Repair or replace rafters, trusses, joists, or other structural roof parts
  • Change the roof slope, drainage, parapets, skylights, or other openings
  • Move rooftop equipment, install a ballasted roof, or build a roof deck or occupied roof

Siding/Veneer

EZ Eligible:

  • Install or replace a nonstructural exterior wall covering on an existing wall
  • Replace the weather barrier and flashing
  • Use common coverings such as vinyl, fiber-cement, wood, metal panels, stucco, or approved masonry veneer

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Change wall framing, structural sheathing, a foundation, header, or lintel
  • Create or change a window, door, or other wall opening
  • Change a fire-rated wall
  • Use an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) that requires special inspections
  • Exceed the manufacturer's or code limits for height, weight, attachment, or support

EZ Electrical Permits

Power and Lighting

EZ Eligible:

  • Add or extend ordinary 120/240-volt circuits inside an existing one- or two-family home or townhouse unit
  • Install receptacles, switches, lights, smoke/CO alarms, and circuits for typical household appliances

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Electrical Permit instead if the project will:

  • Install a new or upgraded electrical service, feeder, panel, transformer, generator, or battery system
  • Fire-alarm, emergency, or standby-power systems
  • Commercial or industrial equipment, hazardous locations, or work requiring engineered plans or utility design approval
  • Exterior work requiring another agency's approval

Service Reconnects

EZ Eligible:

  • Reconnect an existing electrical service after it was disconnected by the electric utility
  • Make only minor repairs needed for a safe reconnection
  • Keep the existing service size, voltage, phase, meter location, wiring, grounding method, and equipment unchanged

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Electrical Permit instead and obtain any required utility approval if the project will:

  • Increase the service size or change its voltage or phase
  • Move the meter or service connection
  • Replace or move the main service equipment or service wiring
  • Add another service, feeder, generator, or transfer switch

Roof Mounted Solar

EZ Eligible:

  • Install a listed solar-panel system flat against the roof of an existing one- or two-family home or townhouse unit
  • Install the related inverter, rapid shutdown, disconnects, wiring, and labels
  • Connect to an existing electrical service that can accept the system without an upgrade

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Electrical Permit and applicable Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Install ground-mounted panels, a solar canopy, or a ballasted roof system
  • Structural roof repairs or reinforcement
  • Installation on a slate, clay-tile, or deteriorated roof
  • An electrical service upgrade, battery storage, or generator connection
  • A system requiring engineered structural design or another agency's approval

Replacement of Fixtures/Devices

EZ Eligible:

  • Replace an existing switch, receptacle, dimmer, light fixture, ceiling fan, smoke/CO alarm, breaker, or similar device
  • Install the replacement in the same location with the same voltage, rating, and purpose

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Electrical Permit instead if the project will:

  • Add or move an outlet, device, fixture, or circuit
  • Increase the electrical load or breaker size
  • Replace a panel or other service equipment or change a feeder
  • Change a fire-alarm or emergency-lighting system
  • Install specialized equipment or equipment in a hazardous location

EZ Mechanical Permits

Heating/Ventilation

EZ Eligible:

  • Replace or install listed heating, cooling, or ventilation equipment serving one home or tenant space
  • Install related ductwork, refrigerant lines, condensate drains, fuel-gas piping, and ordinary residential exhaust fans
  • Use equipment that does not require an engineered system design

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Mechanical Permit instead if the project will:

  • A commercial kitchen exhaust system, hazardous exhaust, or smoke-control system
  • A shared system serving more than one tenant or dwelling
  • A new shaft or structural work
  • Ductwork that changes a required fire-rated wall or floor
  • Equipment serving a new or changed use, or a system requiring engineered ventilation or refrigerant design

Exterior Mechanical Equipment

The proposed residential exterior mechanical equipment installation or replacement must have an eligible scope of work and fully meet all conditions below to stay EZ Eligible.

EZ Eligible Scopes:

  • Replace an outdoor residential air-conditioning unit or heat pump in its existing approved location
  • Install new residential HVAC equipment that meets property-line setbacks, screening, clearances, noise limits, and the manufacturer's instructions

Conditions (All Must be Met to Stay EZ Eligible):

  • Equipment must be compliant with applicable noise and operational standards
  • Rooftop equipment must be screened by parapets or other devices so it is not visible from street or abutting properties at ground level
  • Ground mounted equipment within 5 feet of a side property line must be screened from the adjacent property
  • Ground mounted equipment located in front of a porch or stoop must be screened from the street and adjacent property and cannot be closer to the street than the porch or stoop. 

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Mechanical Permit or Electrical Permit if the project will:

  • Install or replace a residential emergency generator
  • Include equipment located in the front yard, closer to the public right-of-way than the front of the house
  • Include equipment located closer than 5 feet to a property line and not screened from adjacent properties

Commercial

EZ Building Permits

Replacement In-Kind of Drywall/Plaster

EZ Eligible:

  • Remove and replace damaged drywall or plaster on existing interior walls or ceilings
  • Patch and finish the repaired area
  • Keep the existing wall and ceiling locations, framing, and required fire-rated or smoke-resistant layers unchanged

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Add, remove, or move a wall
  • Change structural framing or remove fireproofing
  • Change a fire-rated wall, ceiling, shaft, stair enclosure, corridor, or tenant separation
  • Cover electrical, mechanical, sprinkler, or fire-alarm work that has not been separately approved

Ceiling Repair

EZ Eligible:

  • Patch or replace an existing nonstructural ceiling finish
  • Replace ceiling tiles and a limited number of damaged grid pieces in the same layout
  • Keep the existing ceiling height, access panels, and required fire-rated construction unchanged

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Install a new suspended ceiling or replace the entire ceiling grid
  • Lower or change the ceiling layout
  • Change structural supports or a fire-rated floor/ceiling assembly
  • Move sprinklers, detectors, air diffusers, lights, or other building systems without separate permits
  • Cover unapproved wiring or other unapproved work

Siding/Veneer

EZ Eligible:

  • Install or replace a nonstructural exterior wall covering on an existing commercial building
  • Replace the weather barrier and flashing
  • Use an approved system compatible with the building, such as metal panels, fiber-cement, stucco, or approved masonry veneer

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Repair or change the building's structural wall or masonry support
  • Change a header, lintel, anchor system, window, door, or other opening
  • Change a fire-rated wall
  • Require engineered design or special inspections
  • Use a combustible covering that is not permitted on the building
  • Involve a high-rise or exceed the code or manufacturer's limits

Roofing

EZ Eligible:

  • Remove and replace an existing commercial roof covering
  • Replace underlayment, flashing, and insulation exposed by the roofing work
  • Replace damaged sheathing discovered during the work, up to 10% of the roof area

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • Replace structural roof decking or framing, or more than 10% of the roof sheathing
  • Add or change skylights, roof openings, drainage, parapets, or rooftop equipment
  • Install a ballasted roof or a system that adds more weight than allowed under the EZ requirements
  • Build a roof deck or create an occupied roof

Window Replacement One- or Two-Story Buildings

EZ Eligible:

  • Replace exterior windows on a one- or two-story commercial building
  • Keep every window in the same opening with the same opening size
  • Install required safety glass, flashing, air sealing, and code-compliant replacement windows

Not EZ Eligible:

Apply for a standard Building and Development Review Application (BDA) instead if the project will:

  • The building has three or more stories
  • You will create, remove, enlarge, reduce, or move a window opening
  • The work changes a structural header, lintel, or wall framing
  • The work changes a storefront, curtain-wall system, required fire-rated opening, or exit
  • The work requires engineered design or another agency's approval


Attorney

 

Ineligible projects, regardless of scope of work:

  • Projects located within a floodplain
  • Projects located within a historic district or on historic properties
  • Projects on condemned properties

What if my project doesn’t qualify?

If your project’s scope of work doesn’t qualify for an EZ Permit, the standard permitting process will apply. You will be notified during application submission and before paying fees if your scope of work does not qualify.

Who can apply for an EZ Permit?

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for EZ Permits. An authorized agent may include:

  • Design professional
  • Contractor

How to apply

Step 1.Start your application and select your EZ Permit scope.

EZ Permits must be applied for online through the OneStopPGH portal. If you need help filing your application online, contact a PLI Application Technician.

Log into your OneStopPGH account, select the EZ Permit that matches your scope of work (Building, Electrical or Mechanical), then select your specific EZ scope for your structure type.

An EZ Permit can only cover a single scope of work. If your project involves more than one work scope, you can choose the "Multiple Scopes" option within the EZ Permit application to be redirected to a standard application. If every scope you select is an eligible EZ scope, your application will still bypass completeness check and progress directly to finalization, where you will enter the permit holder information.

  • The application must include:
  • Value of construction
  • Location
  • Complete scope of work

Note: You won't be able to submit the EZ Permit application if your project includes elements that require additional review or otherwise make it ineligible for EZ Permits, regardless of scope. The portal will notify you if your project isn't eligible, but you can still submit a standard application.

Step 2.Select who will perform the work.

If the applicant is not performing the work, the contractor or other required license holder must be identified and confirm their association with the project. For residential projects, work may be performed by:

  • The homeowner, if performing work on their primary residence;
  • A licensed City of Pittsburgh contractor; or
  • A registered Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)

A licensed contractor is always required for commercial work. If the commercial work is under a BDA EZ Permit, a City of Pittsburgh General Contractor's license is required. If the commercial work is under an Electrical or Mechanical EZ Permit, an individual who holds a City of Pittsburgh Trade License (Electrical or HVAC/Mechanical license, respectively) will be required.

With the exception of PA State HIC License holders, all other contractors must:

  • Have an active license
  • Have valid general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage or an affidavit, and a City of Pittsburgh tax compliance letter on file with PLI. General contractors must also provide RRP certification.

Where required, the contractor must be named before the permit can be issued.

Step 3.Read and accept attestations.

Since EZ Permits will not be reviewed, applicants and contractors, where required, must read and attest to the following conditions:

  • The selections and information provided are accurate and complete.
  • Understanding that the City will issue this permit based on the selections and information provided.
  • Understanding that once issued, this permit will only authorize the scope selected.
  • Understanding that if work is installed beyond or outside of the scope authorized by this permit, this action violates City ordinances. The City may issue a stop-work order or revoke (cancel) this permit in response to this violation.
  •  Understanding that if this permit is amended to have multiple scopes, the permit will no longer be an eligible EZ permit and standard permit processes and requirements will apply.

Step 4.Pay fees and submit application.

There is no additional fee for EZ Permits. Fees correspond to the permit type applied for. Please note that fees are non-refundable. Since EZ permit applicants are attesting that the application is accurate to their knowledge and that it is skipping completeness check with the Application Technicians, no fees will be refunded for EZ permit applications. If a mistake on the permit is discovered during the inspection process, you will have to either amend the permit, or it will be revoked and you will have to apply for a new permit, depending on the issue.

Review fee guides here.

Application Technician Verifies Standard Issuance Compliance

PLI Application Technicians will perform a standard issuance review within 1 business day after submission. Application Technicians will only verify the following information.

If the applicant will be performing the work:

If a license holder will be performing the work:

  • Verify PA HIC licenses are active (if selected)
  • Verify City-issued license holders have active licenses, and up-to-date accurate documentation, including:
    • Insured name on General Liability Certificate of Insurance matches listed business name and/or DBA and was issued within the last year
    • Insured name on Worker’s Compensation Certificate of Insurance matches listed business name and/or DBA and was issued within the last year, OR have a complete and notarized Worker’s Compensation Affidavit issued within the last year[JG30] 
    • Tax Compliance letter from the Finance Department matches listed business name and/or DBA and was issued within the last year
    • For General Contractors only: Have an RRP certificate on file that matches the business name and/or DBA

If any of these verifications determine incorrect or expired information, the application will be sent back to the applicant for corrections. Applicants will be notified of missing information or corrections required through OneStopPGH and via email.

Step 5.EZ Permit is issued: Begin work and schedule inspection.

When ready, request an inspection as usual through the OneStopPGH portal. If your project is eligible, you can choose a virtual inspection for a simpler, faster inspection process. Learn more about virtual inspections here.
Residential Scope of Work EZ Permit Virtual Inspection
Replacement of Windows and/or Doors Yes Yes
Roofing Yes Yes
Siding/Veneer Yes Yes
Removal or Installation of Non-Load Bearing Wall Yes Yes
Replacement of Fixtures/Devices (Electrical) Yes Yes

In some cases, an EZ Permit can be amended. If an amendment is not allowed, the permit will be revoked and a new application will be required. Requests to amend an EZ Permit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Questions?

If you have questions about EZ Permits, whether your work qualifies, or how to apply, contact PLI’s Application Technicians:

Share Your Feedback

We are actively looking for feedback on this pilot program and want to hear from you! Please share your input through our Permitting Reform Initiative Engage page on EngagePGH.

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