Pittsburgh Zoning Map - 1500’ Major Transit Buffer

By Carolyn Ristau

Introduction

Pittsburgh’s interactive zoning map includes many layers besides the zoning districts, most of which relate to requirements within or adjacent to the zoning code. For an overview on how to use the interactive zoning map, see our introductory post.

To select different layers, click the stack of paper in the upper right corner. The layers available are listed below. Today’s post features the 1500’ Major Transit Buffer layer, pictured above and in bold text below.

1. Zoning

   • Zoning Districts

   • Zoning Districts Outlines

   • Zoning Max. Height Overlay

   • Height Reduction Zone Overlay

   • 1500’ Major Transit Buffer

   • Parking Reduction Areas

   • North Side Commercial Parking Prohibited Area

   • Baum Centre Zoning Overlay

   • Inclusionary Housing Overlay District

2. RCO (Registered Community Organization) Areas

3. City Divisions

   • DPW Divisions

   • Neighborhoods

   • Council Districts 2012

   • Council Districts 2022 (Current)

   • Wards

4. Historic Preservation

   • Mexican War Street Historic Boundary

   • Individual City-Designated Properties

   • Pittsburgh City Historic Districts

5. Environment

   • RIV Riparian Buffer (125 Feet)

   • Stormwater Riparian Buffer

   • Floodplain Areas

   • Landslide Prone

   • Potential Steep Slopes Overlay Area

   • Undermined Areas

6. Addresses

7. Allegheny County

8. City Boundaries

9. Imagery 2021

The 1500’ Major Transit Buffer Layer

Overview

This layer of the interactive zoning map shows the areas of the city identified as within a 1500’ Major Transit Buffer. When this layer is clicked, the pop-up box confirms that the point clicked is within the boundaries of the area, provides the definition of a Major Transit Facility, and notes the relevant zoning code section (926.141).

Relationship with Zoning

The Zoning Code defines a Major Transit Facility as “a platform or waiting area adjacent to a public mass transit system which utilizes an exclusive right-of-way” (926.141). Certain zoning districts (UNC, HC, UI, and OPR-D) allow a greater maximum floor area ratio (FAR) by-right when the project site is within 1500’ of a major transit facility. The UNC district also permits a greater height allowance within the 1500’ buffer.

District | Regular Standard —> Standard within 1500’ | Code Section

UNC | Max FAR 3:1 —> 4:1 | 904.04.C

UNC | Max Height 45 ft. & 3 stories —> 60 ft. & 4 stories | 904.04.C

HC | Max FAR 2:1 —> 3:1 | 904.05.C

UI | Max FAR 3:1 —> 4:1 | 904.07.C

OPR-D | Max FAR 4:1 —> 5:1 | 908.03.D.4

Conclusion

The 1500’ Major Transit Buffer layer is another of the few layers that reduces the requirements for a zoning application instead of adding to them. Start with Pittsburgh’s interactive zoning map to check if your project is within the designated areas of this layer and in one of the zoning districts listed above. If it is, take a moment to celebrate. Then, if it is consistent with your project’s programming, adjust the floor area ratio or height as applicable.