Every permit application is unique and each can involve different processes and submission requirements. These tips cover some of the most common issues that delay applications.
Throughout this list, we refer to PLI’s Application Technicians. Here's how to reach them:
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Define your project
Most building work in the City of Pittsburgh requires a permit. Before starting your application, it may help to check our Work Not Requiring a Permit list.
Submit your application with as much detail as you can. A detailed scope of work allows staff to best understand your specific project.
For instance: Are you building a new structure or working on an existing one? If the work is external or you’re building something new, where on the property will it happen?
In addition to what the work will entail (scope of work), you will be asked to select your work type.
Work types are defined generally as:
- New Construction: applicable for new buildings.
- Addition / Alteration: applicable for existing buildings and accessory structures.
- Minor Alteration: applicable for existing buildings with a valid Certificate of Occupancy. Single-family dwellings and townhouses do not require Certificates of Occupancy.
Not sure how to describe your project or if a permit is required for your scope of work? Contact the Application Technicians mentioned above for help.
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Know your structure type
Generally speaking, residential and commercial structures are defined as the following:
- Residential Structures: Single-family and two-family buildings that are 3 stories or less
- Commercial Structures: Everything else is usually Commercial
Not sure which applies to you? Check the Certificate of Occupancy for the address (explained directly below) or contact the Application Technicians.
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Know your property’s legal use
Before applying, confirm the legal use or Certificate of Occupancy for your property.
Over time, generations of owners and tenants sometimes make changes to a building without getting permits. This means that the building may not actually meet code requirements for how it’s currently being used and may require updates to be safely and legally used. Common examples include a single-family house converted into multiple units, or a storefront that changed from office to retail or restaurant use.
* Do not rely on the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal to determine a property's legal use.*
Instead, check the legal use of your property by:
If there is no Certificate of Occupancy on file, or if the legal use on file does not match how the property is actually used, that issue may need to be resolved before the permit can be issued.
Note: Work on single-family homes that were built that way and are still being used that way will almost never require a Certificate of Occupancy as part of an application.
If you have any questions, please contact the Application Technicians.
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Choose the right application
Most projects generally require the following permits:
- Building Development Application (BDA): For work on the building’s structure, finish, or occupancy.
- Trade Permits: For work that is specific to disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, etc.).
If your project involves performing work on both the structure and the electrical, mechanical, etc. systems of a building, you’ll need a permit for the construction work and subpermits for each trade.
For example: If I’m building a deck on my house, I will need a Building Development Application. If I’m also installing an electrical outlet or lighting on that deck, I will need both a Building Development Application AND an Electrical Permit.
Subpermits will be linked to the ‘parent’ BDA record in OneStopPGH, and will not be issued until the BDA is issued. Use the field within the subpermit application to enter related permit number(s) so that the related permits can be linked.
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Gather your documents
As you fill out your application, OneStopPGH will tell you which documents are needed for submission based on the information you provide. You’ll see the list of required documents after you enter your work scope, address, and add any co-applicants.
At this point, you can feel free to try different work scopes to see what documentation each one requires. This can help you understand the scope of your potential project before committing to the project.
Want to have a better idea about requirements before you begin? Contact the Application Technicians.
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Confirm your application was submitted before leaving the OneStopPGH portal
When your application has been submitted (or resubmitted, if you’re further on in the process), you will see a banner at the top of the screen confirming that you’ve submitted.
We can’t start reviewing your application until it's submitted! If you’re unsure about your application’s status, contact the Application Technicians.
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Keep an eye on your email
Changes in your application’s status will be communicated through both the OneStopPGH portal and by email, using the account you registered with.
It’s always our goal to get you through the permitting process as efficiently as possible. Please check these messages promptly as they may be asking for more information.
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Get your license information ready
While you don't need to enter a license holder at time of submission, it can be a good idea to have your contractor's license number early and confirm their license is valid for the work being performed. Exceptions to this include: Homeowners making certain alterations to their primary residences, as well as occupancy, floodplain, and stormwater applications.
Most Residential building work can be performed with a PA State Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license or City Contractor’s license. All Commercial work requires a City license. Electrical, mechanical, and other trade work requires a license specific to that trade.
To check whether a license is valid, use the OneStopPGH public license search or contact the Application Technicians.
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Don’t start work until you’ve got the permit
Unless you’ve received specific permission, do not start any work covered by the permit until the permit is issued.
If you have concerns about safety issues posed by the work being delayed, please address those in the text fields of the application or contact the Application Technicians.
Once the permit is issued, you can start work and request inspections. Learn more on our Permit Inspections page or find out the inspector for your ward on PLI’s Contacts page.