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ARTICLE · 06 OCTOBER 2022

Pittsburgh Zoning Code Amendment Would Eliminate Residential Density Restrictions, Streamline Approval Of Multi-Unit Developments Downtown

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
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Last month, the City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of legislation that would eliminate existing residential density restrictions and...

United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Shawn N. Gallagher
Shawn N. Gallagher
Jason P. Wrona
Jason P. Wrona
Brendan P. Lucas
Brendan P. Lucas
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Last month, the City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of legislation that would eliminate existing residential density restrictions and streamline approval of multi-unit residential developments in downtown Pittsburgh. The move clears the way to encourage developers to convert underutilized office space downtown into residential dwelling units in connection with the City's Downtown Conversion Pilot Program.

As it stands today, the City of Pittsburgh zoning code limits residential density in the City's downtown GT – Golden Triangle Zoning Districts based upon lot area. Specifically, the zoning code permits a maximum residential density of up to one dwelling unit per 110 sq. ft. of lot area. For example, if a residential development is situated on downtown property with a lot area of 10,000 sq. ft., the building would be limited to a maximum of approximately 91 dwelling units (10,000 sq. ft./110 sq. ft.). If a developer desired to exceed

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