Process Guides

If you are planning on building something in the City of Pittsburgh, you may need to work with the Department of City Planning Zoning & Development Review Division.  To make the process easier, we have put together several easy to use guides that can help to get your project moving. Below are links for the common review processes within the Department of City Planning. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are updating the Process Guides to transition and coordinate with OneStopPGH. They will be uploaded as soon as we have them updated.  

OneStopPGH online filing is now here!

• Approved Street Trees
  • This list shares the approved species of trees and how frequently each may be planted. 
• Administrator Exception
  • The process to follow when your project requires an Administrator Exception per the Zoning Code
• Child Care and Zoning
  • Types of Child Care uses and the process for Zoning approval
• Construction Management Plans
  • The process for Construction Management Plans when required in the Development Review process
• Curb Cut Requirements
  • Who reviews curb cuts, site plan requirements
• Design Review Process
  • The process to follow for Design Review (in conjunction with appropriate Development Review process)
• Design Review Submission
  • Submission requirements for Design Review
• Floodplain Overlay
  • FEMA flood plain requirements and property development
• Geotechnical Reports
  • Why they are required, who needs to do them, and how they reviewed
• Neighborhood Gateway Signage
  • What is allowed and where
• Occupancy History
  • Process for users that established on a property prior to 1958
• Lot Consolidation and Subdivisions
  • Why they are required, how to file for them, and what to do after approval
• Performance Points Process Guides
  • Encourages new developments to embrace innovation and contribute to neighborhood livability by incorporating City of Pittsburgh and community priorities such as affordable housing, public art, and energy efficient design. 
• Planning Commission Process
  • What projects the commission reviews, how hearings are conducted, and what to expect
• Site Plan Requirements
  • Everything that gets built needs a site plan to show its location--use this guide to determine what information is necessary for your project
• Residential Accessory Structure Setback Requirements
  • A diagram illustrating the types of setbacks to consider when building an accessory structure (pool, shed, etc.)
• Residential Permit Parking Program Process
  • A guide to acquiring Residential Permit Parking designation
• Sidewalk Cafes
  • A checklist of requirements and operational standards
• Site Plan Review Process
  • A more detailed review for medium-sized projects--use this guide to determine whether or not your project requires it
• Zoning Board of Adjustment
  • The process to follow when your project needs a variance or special exception to the zoning code. The requirements for applications to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.