Pittsburgh Zoning Districts - GPR Density
By Carolyn Ristau
Density and Height Standards
Zoning districts regulate the height of primary uses and the density of a site. Minimum lot size, height, and setbacks (the distance between the property line and the building, structure, or use) are used to control density and vary by zoning district. If there is a site-specific hardship that prevents a project from meeting these standards, a dimensional variance may be sought from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
While the Grandview Public Realm District (GPR) has four subdistricts, the density standards for each of the districts is substantially the same as the others. As such, the height, setbacks, and minimum lot size per unit standards for all four subdistricts are listed below.
Note: accessory uses may have more restrictive height standards and more permissive setback regulations. We will discuss this more in a later post.
Note: The zoning code standards listed in this post were those available in the online zoning code as of October 2021. Whenever there is a code amendment it often takes months for the online version to be updated. Zoning staff have access to the most recent code amendments, which can also be found on the city’s online legislation center.
Standards
Minimum lot size:
2,500 sq ft per unit for attached single-family dwellings,
3,000 sq ft per unit for detached single-family dwellings and two-unit residential uses, (note: it is assumed that the 300 sq ft per unit listed under subdistrict C in the zoning code is a typo and that 3,000 sq ft per unit will be enforced as in the other subdistricts)
In subdistricts B, C, and D, 3,000 sq ft per unit for three-unit residential uses, or
In subdistricts B, C, and D, 600 sq ft per unit for multi-unit residential uses.
Note: no minimum lot size is listed for non-residential uses in subdistrict C.
Minimum front setback:
The contextual setback set by the abutting property or properties when one or both contain structures, or
15 ft if not abutting structures.
Minimum rear setback:
30 ft, or
On properties on the northerly side of Grandview Avenue, of sufficient size that no structure is built on a slope in excess of 30%.
Minimum side setback: the contextual setback set by the abutting properties, but no less than 3 ft.
Maximum height: 40 ft
In subdistricts B and C, the height may be increased up to 100 ft, not to exceed 9 stories, through a Special Exception from the Zoning Board.
For Additional Information
See our overview of the GPR for more about this district and our Introduction to Pittsburgh’s Zoning Districts for the complete list of base zoning districts in the city.
