Pittsburgh Zoning Map - Stormwater Riparian 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 Stormwater Riparian 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 Stormwater Riparian Buffer Layer

Overview

This layer of the interactive zoning map shows a buffer zone of along the edges of streams within the City of Pittsburgh. The stormwater buffer zone is not applied to the three rivers - the RIV Riparian Buffer is used instead .

To see whether a property includes area that is in the Stormwater Riparian Buffer:

• Click the portion of the parcel in question that is covered with the riparian zone layer

• Use the arrows to navigate between the pop-up windows as necessary

Relationship with Zoning

Stormwater regulations typically live outside the zoning code, but the applicability of these requirements to a project is often flagged during the zoning review. The Stormwater Riparian Buffer is provided as a guide to help applicants understand beforehand if they will need to follow the stormwater code’s Riparian Buffer requirements. The stormwater code is Title 13 of Pittsburgh’s city code; and the Riparian Buffer regulations are found in Section 1303.05.

Conclusion

Start with Pittsburgh’s interactive zoning map to check if your project is on a property that includes a Stormwater Riparian Buffer area. If it is, refer to the stormwater Riparian Buffer standards (Section 1303.05) to see what regulations will apply to the project.