Pittsburgh Zoning Districts - OPR-C Density
By Carolyn Ristau
Density and Height Standards
Zoning districts regulate the height of primary uses and the density of a site. Instead of the minimum lot size found in primarily residential zoning districts, mixed-use zoning districts like the OPR-C (Oakland Public Realm Subdistrict C) use floor area ratios (FARs) and maximum lot coverage to regulate density. Height and setbacks (the distance between the property line and the building, structure, or use) are also used to control density. If there is a site-specific hardship that prevents a proposed project from meeting these standards, a dimensional variance may be sought from the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).
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 from Sections 908.03.D.3(c), 908.03.D.3(g), and 908.03.D.3(f)
Minimum lot size: 0 sq ft
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 6:1
May be increased in buildings with residential units up to 7.5:1 through a Special Exception from the ZBA.
Maximum lot coverage: 90%
Minimum front setback: 0 ft
Minimum rear setback: 0 ft when adjacent to a Way; otherwise 20 ft
Minimum exterior/street side setback: 0 ft
Minimum interior side setback: 0 ft
Maximum height: 85 ft
May be increased up to 120 ft in buildings along Fifth Avenue through a Special Exception from the ZBA.
For Additional Information
See our overview of the OPR for more about this district and our Introduction to Pittsburgh’s Zoning Districts for the complete list of base zoning districts in the city.
