Street Tree Requirements - Pittsburgh
By Carolyn Ristau
Introduction
Trees are an often-overlooked component of real estate development projects. Common tree-related zoning code requirements include tree replacement or preservation, street trees, and landscaping.
This post takes a dive into Pittsburgh’s zoning code street tree requirements. Not taking street tree requirements into account prior to submitting for zoning review can result in project delays.
Note: Street trees are typically trees located in the sidewalk adjacent to the curb.
Code Section
The landscaping and screening standards of this chapter shall apply to all development that is subject to the Site Plan Review provisions of Section 922.04, the Project Development Plan provisions of Section 922.10 and the Final Land Development Plan Provisions of Section 922.11.C.
At least one (1) street tree shall be provided for each thirty (30) linear feet of property adjoining a public street. Street trees shall be planted between the sidewalk and street curb. If planting in that area is not possible, street trees shall be installed within twenty (20) feet of street curb. Trees planted between a sidewalk and street curb must have a minimum nonpaved planting area of eighteen (18) square feet, with a minimum depth of three (3) feet. In cases where there is an existing pattern of street trees, compatible new trees shall be planted according to the existing tree spacing and pattern to the greatest extent possible. In cases where street trees are to be provided by the Department of Public Works, applicant shall provide proof of application through the Street Tree Program to the Zoning Administrator.
What does this mean?
Applicability
Most projects, except those that require Basic Zoning Review, are subject to the street tree requirements. If the site has existing, healthy street trees, these will be counted toward the total required number of trees.
Requirements
The number of required trees is determined by dividing the length of the property adjacent to the street by 30.
Notes:
Standard rounding applies in these calculations. Any decimal .5 or higher is rounded up while any decimal .4 or less is rounded down.
“Street” is defined by the width of the public right-of-way, not the name of the roadway, with a street being at least 25 ft wide. Pittsburgh has roads that use “Way” in the name, but are 25 ft or wider. These roads are considered streets for the purposes of street tree requirements.
Based on the definition of street, street tree requirements may apply to one or multiple sides of a property. Corner lots and lots that are an entire block are cases where multiple sides may be required to have street trees.
Caution: the planter area quoted in the zoning code is not correct, it is too small. The correct standard is found in the Public Works section of the city code. The most common planter area for street trees is 3 ft by 10 ft.
Challenges
Sometimes there are site-specific conditions that prohibit the placement of trees along the curb. The most common are underground vaults, overhead power lines, or obstacles in the sidewalk such as fire hydrants, street signs, or parking meters. Some tree species may be able to grow within the limits set by these obstructions. When that isn’t possible, the zoning code offers two alternatives. The first alternative is placing the tree(s) within the first 20 ft of the property along the street. The second option is an alternative landscaping plan that is typically funds-in-lieu. The City will use those funds to plant the required number of street trees in a more conducive location in the neighborhood of the project site.
As street trees are placed in the public right-of-way, applicants need to also work with the Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works. Staff from this division typically confirm when the site conditions are not practical for planting street trees in addition to administering the tree planting permit.
There are two seasonal windows for planting trees. To prevent damage during construction, trees are usually planted after the work is complete. However, this may not always line up with one of the planting windows. The final Certificate of Occupancy for a project cannot be issued until the trees have been planted and inspected by the Forestry Division.
Conclusion
Check early in your project if the zoning code street tree requirements will apply. If they will, include the appropriate funds in the project budget and include a landscape plan and tree planting detail showing compliance with the requirements as part of your application materials to the zoning office. Also, keep in mind the tree planting seasons when planning the project timeline.
