Pittsburgh Zoning Districts - UPR-B Density

By Kathleen Oldrey

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.

The bonus point system used in the UPR zoning district can modify some of the dimensional standards based on whether a proposed development meets any of the possible sustainability goals. More details on the bonus point system, and the possible sustainability goals, can be found in the UPR Performance Points post. The dimensional standards of the UPR-B (Uptown Public Realm Subdistrict B) zoning district are detailed 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 March 2022. 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: 0 sq ft

• Minimum front and exterior/street side setback:

  • 0-40 feet from ground level: 0 feet

  • 41-70 feet from ground level: 10 feet

• Minimum rear setback:

  • When not adjacent to a way, Tustin Street, or Watson Street: 20 feet

  • When adjacent to a way, Tustin Street, or Watson Street: 0 feet

• Minimum interior side setback: 0 ft

• Minimum height: 20 ft

• Maximum height: 40 ft

  • May be increased to 70 ft with bonus points

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For Additional Information

See our overview of the UPR for more about this district and our Introduction to Pittsburgh’s Zoning Districts for the complete list of base zoning districts in the city.