Setbacks & Height Limits in Pittsburgh

This guide explains the setback and height rules that apply to residential construction in Pittsburgh. The exact numbers depend on your zoning district, any overlay, and your lot geometry, so confirm with the City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning before finalizing plans.

What Are Setbacks?

A setback is the minimum required distance between a building and a lot line. Setbacks are measured from the property line to the nearest point of the building wall. Eaves, chimneys, bay windows, and steps often have their own projection allowances.

Pittsburgh's Title 9 Zoning Code specifies front, interior side, and rear setbacks separately for each district. Corner lots have two street-facing setbacks (one per frontage) plus one interior side and one rear.

Typical Residential Setbacks

For Pittsburgh's most common single-family residential districts, expect approximately:

R1D-L and R1D-M (lower density single-unit detached) districts generally require larger rear and side setbacks than R1D-H. R3 three-unit districts follow a similar schedule to R2 with slightly higher density allowances. These are typical values from Title 9 — always verify your exact zone.

Height Limits

Most Pittsburgh residential districts cap principal building height at 35 ft, measured from average grade to the top of the roof. Specifically:

• R1D-L, R1D-M, R1D-H (Single-Unit Detached): 35 ft
• R1A (Single-Unit Attached): 35 ft
• R2 (Two-Unit Residential): 35 ft
• R3 (Three-Unit Residential): 40 ft in most cases

Higher-density RM (Multi-Unit Residential) districts allow taller buildings — RM-M, for example, permits 45 ft. Hillside slope protection, Neighborhood Protection Overlays, and historic districts can further restrict height.

Lot Coverage

Pittsburgh's Title 9 sets maximum lot coverage by district. In general, R1D-H permits the highest coverage among single-unit districts, while R1D-L (low density) has the lowest to preserve open space. Principal buildings, accessory structures, and covered porches count toward coverage; uncovered decks and driveways typically do not. Confirm the exact percentage for your district in the Title 9 district standards tables.

Pittsburgh does not apply Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in most basic residential districts — lot coverage, height, and setbacks do most of the work of shaping bulk. FAR appears in some mixed-use, urban center, and downtown districts.

Common Exceptions and Encroachments

Title 9 allows certain building features to project into required setbacks:

• Eaves, gutters, and cornices (typically up to 2 ft)
• Chimneys and flues (typically up to 2 ft)
• Uncovered porches, stoops, and steps
• Bay windows (limited projection)
• Air conditioning condensers (subject to sound and placement limits)

Fences, retaining walls, and accessory structures have separate rules in the accessory use chapter of Title 9.

Hillside and Slope Protection

Pittsburgh's topography means many lots are on steep slopes. The Hillside district and slope protection provisions in Title 9 can trigger additional review, restrict grading, and effectively lower how much buildable envelope you have even when base setbacks and height suggest otherwise. If your lot exceeds 25% slope, talk to planning staff early.

State ADU Overrides

Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU law, so Pittsburgh's local setback and height rules apply in full to accessory dwelling units. ADU-specific standards (typically 3 ft side and rear setbacks and a 20 ft height cap) are set locally in Title 9. See the ADU rules page for details.

How to Look Up Your Specific Requirements

1. Find your zoning district — use the Pittsburgh zoning map linked in sources above.
2. Read the district standards — Title 9, Chapter 903 (Residential District Standards) lists setbacks, height, and coverage for each district.
3. Check for overlays — Neighborhood Protection Overlays, historic districts, and hillside rules can modify base standards.
4. Contact planning staff — call the Department of City Planning at (412) 255-2200 to confirm before you invest in design.

Variances

If your project cannot meet the letter of Title 9, you may apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a variance. Variances are discretionary and require showing hardship specific to your lot. See the Variance Application Guide for the general process.

Official Sources

See the sources linked in the frontmatter for the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances (Title 9) and the Department of City Planning. This guide is informational and is not a substitute for direct confirmation from planning staff.