When You Need A Building Permit:

A building permit is required prior to the construction, enlargement, alteration, or repair of any building, structure, or part thereof. Click here to see what work does NOT require a Building Permit.

When You DON'T Need A Building Permit

How To Obtain a Building Permit:

An application for building permit must be made by a contractor licensed by the City of Pittsburgh unless the work is being performed by the owner and occupier of a one- or two-family dwelling and no employees are used.  Click here to view information about a General Contractor's License.  All applications may be made by the owner, contractor, or authorized agent.

Step 2: File Room:  Once zoning approval is received, the applicant will be instructed to proceed down the hall to the file room where a clerk will check for outstanding code violation notices.

Step 3: Engineer's Counter:  The applicant will then be directed down the hall to the engineer's counter where a plan review engineer will examine the application and any required plans.

Step 4:  License  & Cashier Counter:  The final stop is at the cashier, where payment is made by check or money order.

What To Bring With You:

• Correct address of the job site.
• Owner's name, address, and phone number.
• A check or money order to pay for the permit.  Cash is not accepted.
• If an occupancy permit is required, you may need a plot plan to obtain the prerequisite zoning approval. 
• Any required construction plans.  The seal of a registered engineer or architect may be required prior to plan approval.
• Contractor Registration information if not previously registered for the year.

The Fee

See the Table of Permit Fees.

Inspection

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to arrange for all required inspections by contacting the appropriate inspector. The inspector's name and phone number may be found in bold print on the permit.  Required inspections include:

(1) Footer inspection - after trenches or ditches are evacuated, forms and reinforcement are in place and before footer is poured or constructed.

(2) Rough-in inspections - after the completion and prior to the concealment of framing, fire blocking, and any other building component.

(3) A final inspection when all work is complete.

When You DON'T Need A Building Permit

In accordance with section R105.2 of the 2003 IRC, as amended by the City of Pittsburgh, Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from the permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

1. Installation of an uncovered deck; where the floor of the deck is no more than 30 inches above grade.
2. Fences not over 6 ½ feet high (will require an occupancy permit – please call the Zoning Department at 412-255-2246).
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below. Note: Concrete on grade may require approval by Zoning Department at 255-2246 and Public Works Department at 255-2737 prior to starting work.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one or two-family dwelling.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
10. Hanging gutters and downspouts.