Developer Permit Information

The permitting process for land and building improvements in the City of Pittsburgh is monitored by several City departments.  Each department maintains its own rules and regulations, permit forms, and permit application requirements.  More detailed information on the available permits can be found on the website of each of the departments.  All departments can be contacted by phone to obtain general information or request data that cannot be found on the websites.

A basic flowchart showing the various departments and agencies involved and the general flow of the permitting process is shown below. Click on the chart to view a larger chart with more permit details and departmental links.

The permitting process for commercial, industrial, institutional, and large residential developments requires that the Developer begin at the Department of City Planning - Development Administration and Review (Zoning).

• Permit applications at the Department of Public Works will be applicable to certain portions of a development that affect or encroach into the City right-of-way.
• The Bureau of Building Inspection issues Building Permits and Occupancy Permits.
• The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority issues permits for sewer and water taps.  (Note that the PWSA provides water service to most of the City customers.  The remaining residents are served by other water authorities).
• The Allegheny County Health Department issues plumbing permits.

Each department and agency uses separate permit forms and requires various types of drawings and supplemental materials.

♦ Developer Permit Timeline

The chart below depicts the typical timeframe for applying for permits.

Click on chart to view larger version in pdf format.

♦ Chart of the Developer Permit Process

The following chart specifically demonstrates the permit process path that a developer should follow in order to successfully obtain the issuance of a permit.  The chart integrates the diverse types of permit applications thus allowing the developer to visualize the significance of each department throughout the sequence of the permit process procedures.

Guide to Permitting for Land and Building Improvements
Use small box to move around chart and magnify permit information as needed.

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