Pittsburgh’s development process is coordinated through OneStopPGH, which brings together the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), Department of City Planning, Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, and Bureau of Fire. PLI reviews construction plans, issues building and trade permits, and performs inspections. Since 2024, the Building and Development Application has combined building-permit and zoning review into a single application for many projects.
Zoning is often the first substantive review step. City Planning’s Zoning and Development Review Division administers the Zoning Code and reviews renovations, additions, new construction, changes of use, subdivisions, and other development activity. Most building permits require zoning approval, while projects that do not comply with underlying zoning may need a variance, special exception, or other additional review.
Property location can add further requirements. Exterior work within a City-designated historic district requires Historic Preservation review and a Certificate of Appropriateness when applicable. Development within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area requires separate floodplain approval, which can apply not only to new construction but also to renovations, grading, filling, utilities, and other development activity.
Work extending into streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, or other public right-of-way is administered separately by the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI). Driveways and curb cuts, excavation, utility work, temporary occupation, and other right-of-way activities may require DOMI permits in addition to PLI and zoning approvals. OneStopPGH provides the central application system for these coordinated City reviews.