Over-The-Counter review is conducted by staff for low-impact projects that meet certain eligibility criteria. To learn more, please download the Over-The-Counter Process Guide. 

Art Commission Hearings are open to the public. Community members are welcome to provide in-person (live in virtual meetings) or written statements about items on the Art Commission agenda each month.

Agendas, presentations, and project information for upcoming meetings can be found on this page in the Art Commission Meeting Material section below for review and to accept public comment leading to the Board or Commission meeting. To provide public comment regarding an agenda item, you can:

• Email pacd@pittsburghpa.gov - Email testimony will be accepted until the business day before the meeting at 12 p.m. 
• Mail a letter to 200 Ross St., 4th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 - Mailed testimony must be received by two business days before the meeting. 
• Join the Zoom Meeting - Use raise hand function to request to speak during the relevant agenda item. 
• Call into the Zoom Meeting on your phone - Press *9 to use the raise hand function, and be called on to speak during the relevant agenda item.

New Commissioners for the Public Art & Civic Design Commission will be announced soon

The following Citywide standards have been approved by the Art Commission:

• Bicycle Parking Guidelines (PDF)
• Fixit Bike Repair Station Standards (PDF)
• Greenway Standards (PDF)
• Open Space Signage Standards (PDF)
• Regional Park Signage Standards (PDF)
• Small Cell Aesthetic Guidelines (PDF)
• Swiftmile Charging Stations (PDF)
• Vacant Lot Toolkit (PDF)

I was told that I need Art Commission approval before I am granted a permit. What do I do now? 

Your first step is to check the Art Commission schedule to determine the date of the meeting at which you wish to present. For your application to appear before the Commission, it must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month, three weeks prior to the upcoming Commission meeting you plan to attend. If you have missed this deadline, you must wait until the next month's hearing to present to the Commission. 

You may also be required to attend a Development Activites Meeting prior to submitting your Art Commission application. Details can be found on our on our Development Activities Meeting (DAM) webpage.

Your next step is to read through the Art Commission Submission Guidelines If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Public Art and Civic Design Division at pacd@pittsburghpa.gov.

When are the hearings? 

Art Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. See the Meeting Calendar on the Commissions, Boards, and Panels Homepage.

What is art that the Commission would review? 

Art in this case includes paintings, mural decorations, statues, bas-reliefs, sculptures, monuments, fountains, arches, ornamental gateways and other structures or items of a permanent and fixed character, that are intended for ornament or commemoration, both interior, and exterior.

My project does not include any art.  Why was I told that I need to gain Art Commission approval?

The Commission also oversees the design of any municipal building, bridge, approach, lamp, ornamental gate, fence, or other structure erected or to be erected upon land belonging to the city, or other public places under its control. However, this section shall not apply to bridges costing less than $500,000, nor to buildings costing less than $200,000. 

Also, you may not remove or reorder any infrastructure that is currently located on public property without Art Commission approval.

What is the difference between Conceptual approval and Final approval?

All projects must receive both Conceptual and Final approval. At times, these approvals may be sought at a single hearing. Larger and more impactful projects should always seek Conceptual Approval first, while still in the initial planning stages. Please review the Art Commission Submission Guidelines for more information. 

I want to host a festival or event that is art-related and on public property. How can I do this?

If your event is temporary, you will not need to appear before the Art Commission and can speak with zoning about obtaining the proper permits. As all events and projects are unique, please email the Zoning Office at zoning@pittsburghpa.gov with any questions. You may also find more information about events on the City of Pittsburgh Special Events webpage.

I'm constructing a new artwork or structure on private property and I'd like some advice on how to improve the design. Can I consult with the Art Commission? 

You may request a Courtesy Review with the Art Commission at no cost to you. You will still need to submit the above application form and all related materials three weeks before the hearing date that you would like to attend.

What is a Development Activities Meeting and when do I have to have one?

If the site of your project is within the boundaries of a Registered Community Organization (RCO), the Pittsburgh Administrative Code requires that a Development Activities Meeting (DAM) be held at least 30 days before the hearing. You can identify areas covered by RCOs using this GIS Map. The full guidelines for Development Activities Meetings can be found on our Development Activities Meeting (DAM) webpage.

Who serves on the Art Commission and how are they elected?

The Commissioners are elected by the Mayor and serve without compensation. Ex-officio members include the Director of the Department of Public Works and the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure. Members of the commission represent different disciplines that contribute to the quality of civic design and the public realm. The commission consists of practicing artists, architects, and other professionals with related design practices.

The Art Commission's bylaws can be found here.

Chapter 175 of the City Code, which concerns the purview of the Art Commission, can be found here.