Pittsburgh Zoning Districts - RM Density
By Carolyn Ristau
Density and Height Standards
Zoning districts regulate the height of primary uses and the density. In the residential zoning districts, density is regulated through minimum lot sizes and setbacks (the distance between the property line and the building, structure, or use) and varies depending on the subdistrict listed below. 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.
Note: accessory uses may have more restrictive height standards and more permissive setback regulations. We will discuss this more in a later post.
Each of the R zoning districts have up to five subdistricts for density from very low to very high. The RM (Multi-Unit Residential) has four of the subdistricts: VL = very low density, M = moderate density, H = high density, and VH = very high density. The regulations for each are listed below.
Note: The zoning code standards listed in this post were those available in the online zoning code as of May 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.
Height Standards
Maximum height in the RM zoning district varies by density subdistrict and includes standards for both the height in feet and the height in stories. Yes, the proposal must comply with both the height in feet and the height in stories or else seek a dimensional variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Very Low Density Standards
The RM-VL zoning district covers 0.06% of the city.
Minimum lot size: 8,000 sq ft
Minimum lot size per unit: 8,000 sq ft
Minimum front setback: 30 ft
Minimum rear setback: 30 ft
Minimum exterior/street side setback: 30 ft
Minimum interior side setback: 30 ft
Maximum height: 40 ft, not to exceed 3 stories
Moderate Density Standards
The RM-M zoning district covers 5.59% of the city.
Minimum lot size: 3,200 sq ft
Minimum lot size per unit: 1,800 sq ft
Minimum front setback: 25 ft
Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
Minimum exterior/street side setback: 25 ft
Minimum interior side setback: 10 ft
Maximum height: 55 ft, not to exceed 4 stories
High Density Standards
The RM-H zoning district covers 0.43% of the city.
Minimum lot size: 1,800 sq ft
Minimum lot size per unit: 750 sq ft
Minimum front setback: 25 ft
Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
Minimum exterior/street side setback: 25 ft
Minimum interior side setback: 10 ft
Maximum height: 85 ft, not to exceed 9 stories
Very High Density Standards
The RM-VH zoning district covers 0.27% of the city.
Minimum lot size: 1,200 sq ft
Minimum lot size per unit: 400 sq ft
Minimum front setback: 25 ft
Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
Minimum exterior/street side setback: 25 ft
Minimum interior side setback: 10 ft
Maximum height: no limit
For Additional Information:
See our overview of the RM for more about this district and our Introduction to Pittsburgh’s Zoning Districts for the complete list of base zoning districts in the city.
