Property Certification

The Property Certification Application is used to verify three conditions on the subject property, in accordance with Pennsylvania Act of Assembly #652, approved September 20, 1961:

• Certification of Zoning Classification(PDF, 429KB) and Legality of Use
• Certification of City Historic Designation
• Certification of Code Violations and/or Unsafe Conditions

A property certification is required whenever there is a real estate closing on a property due to a sale or refinance. (Note: this is the same thing that used to be called the zoning certificate.) It is a document intended for the benefit of a buyer or lender to let them know the zoning district of the property, the legality of use, if there is an occupancy permit on file, if the property is in a local historic district, and if there are any active code violations on file.

The application fee is $100 per application due at the time the application is submitted.

Fill out all applications online at OneStopPGH.

The owner of the subject property or the owner's agent may make an application for a Certificate of Zoning Classification. Typically, the application is used when the property is changing ownership or when the owner is re-financing a mortgage.

The application asks you to list the current and proposed use of the property before and after the real estate transaction. They can be the same if no change in use is proposed. For online applications, you will be required to select a use that best fits from the official Use Classifications within Pittsburgh’s Zoning Code, which are found in Chapter 911.02. Select all uses on the property being certified. While there is a category for “vacant,” that is for when a building or property is vacant. There is not an “other” category. If you are unsure about the correct Use Classification you may inquire with Zoning Staff at zoning@pittsburghpa.gov or by calling 412-255-2241.

The full list of Zoning Code uses and their definitions(PDF, 429KB) can be found here.

On the application form, include the current and proposed number of residential units. While a typical rowhouse is only one residential unit, there are exceptions, and therefore it is important to list the correct numbers so that staff can accurately complete your application.

Completed property certifications filed through OneStopPGH can be downloaded through the applicant's user profile and will not be emailed back to the applicant.

No. The Property Certificate does not certify that these premises are legally occupied or that the structure meets all Zoning Code and Building Code requirements unless a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued for the actual use of the property by the Dept. of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.