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PLI RESIDENTIAL PERMITS

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Residential Permits

Permit Process

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Residential Building Permits

A residential building permit is required for the following work on a residential building or structure:

  • Renovate and repair an existing single family or two-family dwelling.
  • Construct an addition to an existing single family or two-family dwelling.
  • Construct a new structure including a new single family or two-family dwelling or accessory structure.

Please see Permit Home for definition of residential structures and work type.  Please see work not requiring a permit for work that can be performed without a PLI permit. Please visit out Contacts page for Construction Inspector contact information. 

Accessory Structure

An accessory structures are smaller normally un-occupied structures that are associated with a single-family or two-family dwelling.  Accessory structures include, but are not limited to, fences, pools, decks, sheds, garages, etc.

New Construction Work Type:

  • New Building Complete: applies to the complete construction of a single-family or two-family dwelling under a single building permit.
  • New Building Phased: applies to the construction of a single-family or two-family dwelling performed under separate permits for each phase. 
    • For example: one phased permit is for the foundation and another phased permit is for the remaining construction.
    • Please note that permit holders proceed at their own risk with phased permits with no assurance that PLI will grant a permit for the entire structure.
  • Site Work: applies to modifications to the site beyond those directly associated with the construction of the building.  This would exclude excavation for the foundation.
  • Accessory Structure – applies to the construction of accessory structures in association with the construction of new single-family or two-family dwelling.

Addition / Alteration Work Type:

  • this applies to modifications of an existing structure which either increases the area or the volume of the building or structure.
  • Alterations – Exterior: this applies to any modification to the exterior of the structure which are structural in nature or a part of a permit that includes structural work.
  • Alterations – Interior: this applies to any modification to the interior of the structure which are structural in nature or a part of a permit that includes structural work.
  • Accessory Structure: this applies to construction of a new accessory structure or modifications to an existing structure that is accessory to an existing single-family or two-family dwelling.

Minor Work Type:

  • Non-structural Renovations - Exterior: applies to modifications to the exterior of the structure which are not structural in nature. 
    • This would include, but is not limited to roofing, window or replacement in the same size and location, siding or exterior wall covering modifications.
  • Non-structural Renovations - Interior: applies any modification to the interior of the structure which are structural in nature

 

Permit Process:

See these webpages for additional information regarding the permitting process:

  • Permit Process
  • Application Submission
    • All Work Types other than Minor Alterations require submission of drawings to OneStopPGH.
    • Please note that drawings prepared and sealed by a PA licensed architect may not be required for the following:
      • Single story accessory structures without an occupied roof.
        • Applies if the submitted drawings provide sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with prescriptive building code requirements.
      • Decks that are designed per the Residential Deck Form and comply with associated restrictions.
      • Pools that are designed per the Residential Pool Form and comply with associated restrictions.
      • Single story additions without an occupied roof.
        • Applies if the submitted drawings provide sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with prescriptive building code requirements.
        • The addition does not rely on the existing building for structural support.
  • Application Review
  • Permit Issuance
  • Permit Inspections
  • Permit Completion

Please see Other Agency Coordination for processes related to other agencies that may relate to your permit scope.  For residential building permits:

  • Zoning Development Review application (ZDR) submission is required for the following:
    • New Construction Work Type for all work scopes
    • Addition / Alteration Work Type with these work scopes:
      •  
      • Alterations – Exterior
      • Accessory Structure
      • Work that includes a change in use or certification of a new use.
      • Or any work scope if the property is located in a regulated floodplain.
    • Minor Work Type with this work scope:
      • Non-structural Renovations - Exterior
      • Or any work scope if the property is located in a regulated floodplain.
  • Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI)
    • Required for if work includes vehicle access onto the subject site or encroachments into the public right of way such as balconies or decks.
  • Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD)
    • Required for new plumbing systems and may be required for modifications to existing plumbing systems.This would include installation of suppression systems as required for townhouses.
  • PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
    • Required for any pre-fabricated modules or components used as part of the permit scope for a residential structure.
  • Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (PBF)
    • Required for housing developments to review: fire apparatus access roads and fire flows.
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