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. 

Public Art Committee:
Mikael Owunna, Committee Chair/Commission President
Christine Bethea
Anneliese Martinez
Shaunda McDill

Civic Design Committee:
Ali Abdullah
Lisa Carver
Gerrod Winston
Megan Ziegler

The following Citywide standards have been approved by the Commission:

• 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 Public Art & Civic Design Commission approval. What do I do now? 

Your first step is to check the PACD 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. 

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

You may also be required to attend a Development Activities Meeting prior to submitting your Public Art & Civic Design Commission application. Details can be found on the Development Activities Meeting (DAM) webpage.

What does the Public Art & Civic Design Commission review? 

The Commission reviews permanent installations (one year or more) in the Public Realm.

The Civic Design Review Committee reviews the design of new structures and designed sites, or the modification of existing structures and designed sites. This commonly includes buildings, signs, and other elements of non-standard infrastructure on City property and in the right-of-way.

The Public Art Review Committee reviews the addition, modification, relocation, and removal of items of Public Art, including murals, sculptures, monuments, fountains, and exterior items intended for ornament or commemoration.

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 seek Commission approval 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 Public Art & Civic Design Commission? 

You may request a Courtesy Review with the Public Art & Civic Design Commission. You will still need to submit the application form and all related materials.

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 Public Art & Civic Design 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, design professionals, and community members.

The Public Art & Civic Design Commission is directly governed by Chapter 175 of the City Code. Other sections of the City Code and Home Rule Charter include additional context for the regulation of the City’s boards and commissions.
Per Chapter 175, the Commission shall have the power to adopt its own rules of procedure, consistent with relevant laws or ordinances. The Commission's Rules of Procedure can be found here.