McKeesport Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
McKeesport Zoning Overview
McKeesport is a city in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers, approximately 15 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. With a population of approximately 19,731, McKeesport was historically one of the most important steel-producing cities in the Mon Valley, home to the National Tube Works (later part of U.S. Steel). The closure of the steel mills in the 1980s led to significant population decline and economic challenges that the city continues to address through revitalization efforts.
The city's zoning is managed by the Planning and Zoning Department. McKeesport's land use reflects its industrial heritage, with dense residential neighborhoods on hillsides above the rivers, a downtown commercial district, and former industrial sites along the waterfront. The city has pursued brownfield redevelopment and waterfront access improvements.
Key Zoning Districts
McKeesport's zoning code includes residential districts R-1 (Low Density, 5,000 sq ft minimum lots) and R-2 (Medium Density, 3,500 sq ft minimum lots). The small lot sizes reflect the city's dense, hillside residential neighborhoods. Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial). The I (Industrial) district covers former mill sites and active industrial areas. Both residential districts maintain a 35-foot height limit.
ADU Regulations
McKeesport does not currently have confirmed ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) provisions. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU mandate. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling unit should contact the Planning and Zoning Department to discuss available options under the city's zoning ordinance.
Development Process
The Planning and Zoning Department processes development applications and building permits. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variances and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivisions and land development plans. Properties along the rivers may be subject to floodplain regulations. All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in McKeesport and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of McKeesport at (412) 675-5020 before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in McKeesport
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Allegheny County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 3 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in McKeesport
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for McKeesport are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check McKeesport permit fees →