• LaShawn Burton-Faulk
• Alice Mitinger
• John J. Richardson

How long does it take for the ZBA to issue a decision?

The ZBA is part of the Zoning Review process. The Zoning Code requires a minimum 21-day posted notice period before a ZBA hearing. Following a hearing, the ZBA has 45 days to issue a decision.

How is a ZBA hearing scheduled?

Applicants to the ZBA are required to file a Zoning and Development Review (ZDR) Application, which is submitted online through the OneStopPGH portal.

After the Department of City Planning has reviewed a ZDR application and determined that it requires a ZBA hearing, it will contact the Applicant to schedule a hearing date.

For assistance with filing a ZDR application, contact zoning@pittsburghpa.gov.

The $400 ZBA fee is assessed in addition to the base zoning review fees. Reference the Fee Schedule for information about other review fees. Fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether a request to the ZBA is approved or denied. Payment must be made prior to the hearing. Fees can be paid via credit card or E-check through the OneStopPGH portal.

What is the public notification process?

Notice is posted online: pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/upcoming

How will neighbors be notified?

The Department of City Planning mails notice letters to abutting property owners. The ZBA also strongly recommended that Applicants contact neighbors and local community organizations in advance of a hearing. The Department of City Planning can provide contact information for relevant community groups.

If a project is in an area with a Registered Community Organization (RCO), a Development Activities Meeting with the RCO may be required at least 30 days before the ZBA hearing.

What materials are needed at the Hearing?

Applicants must provide:

• A site plan which details the proposal
• Evidence which justifies the approval of the request, in accordance with the Zoning Code’s approval criteria
• Applicants who are not the owner of the property must be prepared to explain and document their authorization to pursue the request

The Applicant must provide sufficient evidence to justify the approval of the request.

All parties, Applicants and interested parties can present evidence to the Board. Helpful evidence may include:

• Photographs of the property and the surrounding neighborhood
• Elevations and detailed drawings of the proposal
• Business or operational plans
• Evidence that demonstrates how the proposal will affect the surrounding neighborhood
• Evidence that demonstrates how the proposal does or does not meet the Zoning Code’s approval criteria

When will the ZBA decision be issued?

After the record for a hearing is closed, the ZBA will issue a decision within 45 days. This decision is sent to the Applicant and all parties who testified at the hearing.

Usually, the ZBA will close the record at the end of a hearing. Occasionally, for complex cases, or projects with considerable community opposition, the ZBA will keep the record open after a hearing to allow submittal of additional evidence.

What happens after a decision is issued?

After the ZBA has issued a decision, the Department of City Planning will continue to review the application for compliance with Zoning Code. When the Department of City Planning determines that an application complies with the Zoning Code, it will issue a Record of Zoning Approval (ROZA).

Once an applicant receives a ROZA, they may need to apply for additional permits from the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.

Do ZBA decisions expire?

A ZBA decision expires one year after it is issued. A permit should be obtained and substantial construction or occupancy should begin within one year of approval. If additional time is needed, An Applicant may request a one-year extension by contacting zoningboard@pittsburghpa.gov, and providing a brief explanation of why an extension is needed.

May a ZBA decision be appealed?

Any affected party may appeal a ZBA decision to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County within 30 calendar days of the decision’s issue date. The appeal process starts at the Department of Court Records located on the main floor of the City-County Building, 414 Grant Street. A transcript of the ZBA hearing will be required. Appellants are strongly encouraged to consult an attorney.

Where can transcripts be requested?

You can order a transcript of a ZBA hearing by calling Network Deposition Services at 412-281-7908. Network Deposition Services will charge a fee to access the transcript. Please have the case number and hearing date available.

Are ZBA agendas available?

ZBA agendas are available online on this webpage in the searchable table below.

Email zoning@pittsburghpa.gov to request to be added to the ZBA agenda mailing list to receive all ZBA agendas by email.

Are ZBA meetings public?

ZBA meetings are open to the public. Community members impacted by requests to the ZBA are encouraged to attend and present testimony.

Are past ZBA decisions publicly available?

To request a copy of a ZBA decision, contact zoningboard@pittsburghpa.gov