Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to:

Applicability.

No Reduction Below Minimums and No Increase Above Maximums. Existing parking and loading spaces shall not be reduced below the minimums required in this chapter, nor shall spaces be provided in excess of stated maximums. Any change in use that increases applicable offstreet parking or loading requirements shall be a violation of this code unless parking and loading spaces are provided in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Nonconforming Status. A use that was legally established prior to the adoption of this ordinance shall not be deemed nonconforming solely as a result of providing fewer than the minimum number or more than the maximum number of off-street parking or loading spaces established in Section 914.02.A or Section 914.02.B.

Compliance with Zoning District Regulations. Unless otherwise specifically stated, off-street parking, loading and circulation areas shall comply with the property development standards of the zoning district in which they are located.

Schedule A. Off-street parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with the minimum and maximum standards included in Parking Schedule A. In lieu of complying with the standards of Parking Schedule A, an applicant may request approval of an Alternative Access and Parking Plan, pursuant to Section 914.07. The Zoning Administrator may require an Alternative Access and Parking Plan to be submitted for uses allowed in residential district. The parking schedule in this section shall not apply to the Bicycle Parking Requirement of Section 914.05.D.

Uses Requiring Parking Demand Analysis. Uses requiring parking demand analysis have widely varying parking demands, making it difficult to specify a single requirement. The off-street parking requirement for such uses shall be established by the Zoning Administrator based on estimates of parking demand, which may include recommendations of the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE), data collected from uses that are the same or comparable to the proposed use, or other relevant information. The Zoning Administrator may require that an applicant submit a parking study that provides analysis and justification for the proposed number of spaces to be provided. Parking studies shall document the source of data used to develop the recommendations. The Zoning Administrator will review the submitted study along with any other traffic engineering and planning data that are appropriate and establish the minimum and maximum off-street parking requirement (including bicycle parking) for the use proposed.

Structured Parking Required. All principal and accessory off-street parking uses in the GT, DR, EMI and SP Districts, where more than one hundred fifty (150) number of spaces are provided, shall comply with the following requirements:

Fractions. When calculation of the number of required offstreet parking spaces results in a fractional number, a fraction of less than one-half (½) shall be disregarded and a fraction of one-half (½) or more shall be rounded to the next highest whole number.

Multiple Uses or Activities. When two (2) or more uses, activities, or separate establishments are located within the same development, off-street parking shall be provided for each use or separate establishment according to the Parking Schedule A (Section 914.02.A), unless a shared parking plan is approved pursuant to Section 914.07.G.1. In the event that one (1) or more uses within a multi-use development are of a size that would otherwise exempt them from compliance with off-street parking requirements, only one (1) such exemption shall be permitted to be taken for the entire development.

Calculation of Floor Area. Unless otherwise stated, all square footage-based off-street parking standards shall be computed on the basis of gross floor area used or intended to be used for service to customers, patrons, clients or patients, or as tenants, including areas occupied by fixtures and equipment used for display or sale of merchandise. It need not include floors or parts of floors used principally for nonpublic purposes, such as the storage, incidental repair, processing or packaging of merchandise, for show windows, or for offices incidental to the management or maintenance of stores or buildings when these areas are in separate rooms from the principal use of the building. Floors or parts of floors used principally for rest rooms or for utilities or for fitting rooms, dressing rooms and alteration rooms shall also be excluded from the definition of "floor area" for the purpose of computing off-street parking requirements. These provisions notwithstanding, the "floor area" used as the basis for computing off-street parking requirements shall never be less than eighty (80) percent of the total gross floor area.

Bench Seating. When seating consists of benches, pews or other similar seating facilities, each twenty (20) linear inches of seating space shall be counted as one (1) seat.

Employees, Students and Occupants. For the purpose of computing parking requirements based on the number of employees, students, residents or occupants, calculations shall be based on the largest number of persons working on any single shift, the maximum enrollment or the maximum fire-rated capacity, whichever is applicable.

New and Unlisted Uses. Upon receiving a development application for a use not specifically listed in the Parking Schedule A (Section 914.02.A), the Zoning Administrator shall apply the off-street parking standards of the listed use that is deemed most similar to the use proposed or require that a parking study be submitted pursuant to Section 914.02.B.

Special Definitions.

Locations and Facilities.

Layout of Spaces. Bicycle Parking Spaces or alternative spaces approved by the Zoning Administrator shall be laid out according to the following:

Bicycle Parking Requirement. Bicycle Parking Spaces shall be provided in accordance with the following tables:

Street Parking Reduction for Bicycle Parking.

Number of Spaces.

Parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities shall be counted toward fulfilling overall off-street parking standards. The minimum number of spaces to be reserved for persons with disabilities shall be as follows:

One (1) in every eight (8) accessible spaces, but not less than one (1), shall be served by an access aisle eight (8) feet wide minimum and shall be designated "van accessible" as required by Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The vertical clearance at such spaces shall comply with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. All such spaces may be grouped on one (1) level of a parking structure.

Minimum Dimensions. All parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities shall be at least nineteen (19) feet in length and at least eight (8) feet wide and shall provide minimum vertical clearance of eight (8) feet two (2) inches at the parking space and along at least one (1) vehicle access route to such spaces from site entrance(s) and exit(s). Parking access aisles shall be part of an accessible route to the building or facility entrance and shall be five (5) feet wide, except parking spaces reserved for vans, which shall be eight (8) feet wide in accordance with Section 914.06.A. Two (2) accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle. Parked vehicle overhangs shall not reduce the clear width of an accessible route. Parking spaces and access aisles shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding 1:50 (two (2) percent) in all directions.

Location of Spaces. Accessible parking spaces serving a particular building shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility. In buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances.

Signs and Markings.

Required spaces for persons with disabilities shall be designated with signs and pavement markings identifying them as reserved for persons with disabilities. The required sign shall clearly indicate the maximum fine assessed on violators. The size of the sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.

Van-accessible spaces shall have an additional sign "Van-Accessible" mounted below the symbol of accessibility. Such signs shall be located so as not to be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space.

Parking for Persons with Disabilities, Passenger Loading Zones. Passenger loading zones shall provide an access aisle at least five (5) feet wide and twenty (20) feet long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull-up space. If there are curbs between the access aisle and the vehicle pull-up space, then a curb ramp complying with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 shall be provided. Vehicle standing spaces and access aisles shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding 1:50 (two (2) percent) in all directions. Minimum vertical clearance of nine (9) feet six (6) inches shall be provided at accessible passenger loading zones and along at least one (1) vehicle access route to such areas from site entrance(s) and exit(s).

Scope. An Alternative Access and Parking Plan represents a proposal to meet vehicle parking and transportation access needs by means other than providing parking spaces on-site in accordance with the ratios established in Section 914.02.A.

Applicability. Applicants who wish to provide fewer or more off-street parking spaces than allowed pursuant to the Parking Schedule A (Section 914.02.A) shall be required to secure approval of an Alternative Access and Parking Plan, in accordance with the standards of this section. The Zoning Administrator may require that an Alternative Access and Parking Plan be submitted in cases where the Zoning Administrator deems the listed standard to be inappropriate based on the unique nature of the use or in cases where the applicable standard is unclear.

Contents. Alternative Access and Parking Plans shall be submitted in a form established by the Zoning Administrator and made available to the public. At a minimum, such plans shall detail the type of alternative proposed and the rationale for such a proposal.

Review and Approval Procedure.

Recording. An attested copy of an approved Alternative Access and Parking Plan shall be submitted to County Recorder's office for recordation on forms made available in the Office of the Zoning Administrator. Proof of recordation of the agreement shall be presented to the Zoning Administrator prior to issuance of a building permit. An approved Alternative Access and Parking Plan may be amended by the Zoning Board of Adjustment pursuant to Section 914.07.

Violations. Violations of an approved Alternative Access and Parking Plan shall be considered violations of this Zoning Code and subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions of Chapter 924.

Eligible Alternatives. A number of specific parking and access alternatives are described in Sections 914.07.G.1 through 914.07.G.6.

Queue Space Schedule. The minimum number of queue spaces required shall be as follows. Variations from these minimums may be allowed based on a parking study submitted pursuant to Section 914.07.C.

Minimum Dimensions. Each queue space shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet by twenty (20) feet in size.

Design. Each queue lane shall be clearly defined and designed so as not to conflict or interfere with other pedestrian or vehicular traffic using the site.

General Design Principles.

Surfacing. Areas used for off-street parking, circulation or vehicle display shall be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, masonry, hard packed slag, or other solid paving materials with sufficient strength to support the vehicle loads imposed, provided that the Zoning Administrator shall be authorized to approve parking areas that are not hard-surfaced when four (4) or fewer parking spaces are involved. All off-street parking and other vehicle circulation areas shall be continuously maintained and designed to preclude free flow of stormwater onto adjacent lots, properties, or public streets or ways and in accordance with Title 13: Stormwater Management, as applicable.

Wheel Stops. Wheel stops or curbing shall be installed to protect walls, poles, structures, pedestrian walkways or landscaped areas. Wheel stops should be placed within two (2) to three (3) feet from the end of parking spaces.

Landscaping and Screening. Off-street parking, loading and vehicle display areas shall be landscaped and screened from view in accordance with the Landscaping and Screening Standards of Chapter 918.

Lighting. Lighting shall be arranged and designed so that no source of light is directed toward any lots used or zoned for residential use. Lighting shall be designed to shield public streets and all other adjacent lands from distracting glare, or hazardous interference of any kind. Vehicular use areas shall not be lighted at any time other than the hours of operation of the use that the parking is intended to serve, except for necessary security lighting.

Parking Area Access. Access to parking garages and parking areas containing more than five (5) spaces shall be designed to ensure that entering and exiting vehicles do not disrupt vehicle and pedestrian circulation patterns. At a minimum, all garage doors, ticket machines or entrance gates shall be located so as to allow a minimum of twenty (20) feet clearance from sidewalks and street rights-of-way. Driveways serving such parking areas shall be located at least sixty (60) feet from intersecting street rights-of-way, and joint access to abutting parcels shall be provided wherever practical.

Parking Structure Design.

Parking Stall Dimensional Standards. The following minimum dimensional standards shall apply to all off-street parking areas.

Stripes and Markings. Parking stalls shall be delineated by double-striping, in accordance with the following general design guidelines and rules established and made available to the public by the Transportation Planner.

Parking Access for Single-Unit Attached Residential Uses.

Schedule of Off-Street Loading Requirements. Off-street loading spaces shall be provided on the site of new or expanded uses, in accordance with the minimum standards included in the following off-street loading schedule.

Rules for Computing Off-Street Loading Requirements. The following rules shall apply when computing the number of off-street loading spaces required pursuant to the off-street loading schedule of Section 914.10.A.

Loading Area Design and Improvement Standards. The design and improvement standards of this section shall apply to all off-street loading areas.

Exceptions Authorized by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Zoning Board of Adjustment is authorized to grant the following as Special Exceptions, according to the Special Exception Review Procedures of Section 922.07.

Exceptions Authorized by the Zoning Administrator. The following exceptions to otherwise applicable standards may be authorized by the Zoning Administrator.

Purpose. The performance of the city's natural and built areas is key to the success of its communities. The provisions of this Section are intended to protect environmental areas and to support new development that will make Pittsburgh more livable and resilient.

Applicability. No structure or land use shall be located, erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, altered, demolished, converted, enlarged or designed to be so, except in conformance the provisions of this Section.

Grading Standards.

Slope Revegatation Standards.

Slopes in excess of a fifteen (15) percent grade that are exposed during construction or site development shall be landscaped or revegetated in order to mitigate adverse environmental and visual effects. Fill soil on slopes must support plant growth. At a minimum, any slope in excess of fifteen (15) percent grade exposed or created during development shall be landscaped or revegetated with trees and other plant material at the following minimum planting densities per one hundred fifty (150) square feet of exposed slope area:

Gabions and low walls should be utilized to gain planting pockets on steep grades.

Tree and Vegetative Surveys. The Zoning Administrator shall require a tree survey for development applications on any site greater than one-quarter (¼) acre (ten thousand eight hundred ninety (10,890) square feet).

Tree Protection and Replacement. The Zoning Administrator shall require the protection and preservation of trees with a diameter of twelve (12) inches or more, measured at a point four (4) feet above grade. If said trees are removed during site preparation or development, they shall be replaced, at a minimum, equal to the combined total diameter of removed trees. Diameter measurements shall be taken at a point four (4) feet above grade.

Purpose. Green buildings improve air and water quality, reduce solid waste, conserve natural resources, reduce operation costs, optimize life-cycle economic performance and minimize the strain on local infrastructure. Given that buildings are responsible for a large portion of the city's energy and resource use, the provisions of this Section are intended to promote sustainable developments that reduce the impact of the built environment in the City of Pittsburgh.

Applicability. The following bonuses for sustainable development may be permitted in all non-residential zoning districts. These bonuses may not be applied in addition to any other height or FAR bonus or exception. These bonuses may not be applied in addition to any additional height or FAR variances or special exceptions granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Special Definitions.

Floor Area and Height Bonuses. If floor area ratio and density bonuses are permitted pursuant to Section 915.04.E, the maximum floor area ratio and height may exceed the amounts specified for the applicable base zoning district, but shall not exceed an additional twenty (20) percent of floor area ratio and height.

Review Process.

Penalty.

Purpose. The City of Pittsburgh is committed to building and supporting sustainable developments, to yield cost savings to the city taxpayers through reduced operating costs, to provide healthy and productive work environments for all residents and employees, and to contribute to the city's goals of protecting, conserving, and enhancing the region's environmental resources. Additionally, the city shall help to set a community standard of sustainable building.

Applicability. The following development requirements apply to any new construction or renovation project that receives Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Definitions.

Sustainable Development Requirements. All projects receiving Tax Increment Financing must receive a LEED Silver rating level.

Penalty.

Purpose. The City of Pittsburgh recognizes that communities that embrace innovation and livability while remaining affordable to all citizens will be more sustainable both in their demands on the environment and their ability to continue to grow and succeed over time. This set of incentives for development seeks to increase the provision of affordable housing, increase the number of green buildings constructed, and incent the retention of existing structures that represent the city's built heritage.

Applicability. The following incentives are available within designated zoning districts that include the following elements:

Definitions.

Bonus Goals and Points.

Compliance and Enforcement.

Purpose. The City of Pittsburgh is committed to building and supporting sustainable developments, to yield cost savings to the City taxpayers through reduced operating costs, to provide healthy and productive work environments for all residents and employees, to contribute to the City's goals of protecting, conserving, and enhancing the region's environmental resources, and to deliver on the City's public dedication to upholding the Paris Climate Accord. Additionally, the City shall help to set a community standard of sustainable building.

Applicability. Unless exempted by Section 915.08.D, all construction of new buildings on City-owned property and all Major Renovations of existing buildings on City-owned property must achieve net-zero energy ready building performance.

Definitions.

Exemptions. Section 915.06.B shall be complied with fully unless one or more of the exemptions listed below applies to the project and reason for the exemption(s) is clearly documented by the City:

Purpose. The Residential Compatibility Standards of this chapter are intended to protect residential properties and neighborhoods from the adverse impacts sometimes associated with adjacent higher density multi-unit residential development and non-residential development and uses.

Applicability.

Exemptions. Notwithstanding the applicability statement of Section 916.01.B, the following shall be exempt from the Residential Compatibility Standards to the extent indicated:

Site Plan Review. All development that is subject to Residential Compatibility Standards shall require site plan review and approval in accordance with the Site Plan Review procedures of Section 922.04.

Building Setbacks. The Building Setback regulations of the Residential Compatibility Standards shall apply to the sides of properties that are adjacent to or across the street from properties that are zoned R1D, R1A, R2, R3, or H in accordance with the following regulations.

Building Heights.

No swimming pool, tennis court, ball field, or playground area shall be permitted within fifty (50) feet of property zoned R1D, R1A, R2, R3, RM, or H.

Dumpsters and refuse receptacles shall be located a minimum of thirty (30) feet from any property zoned R1D, R1A, R2, R3, RM, or H.

Parking and loading shall not be located within fifteen (15) feet of properties zoned R1D, R1A, R2, R3, RM, or H. Additional setbacks shall be required if the Zoning Administrator finds that the size and number of trucks and the hours of operation would have impact on adjacent residential properties.

Collection of Garbage and Recyclables. No use subject to Residential Compatibility Standards shall be served by garbage or recyclables collection services between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Loading Operations. No use subject to Residential Compatibility Standards shall conduct loading or unloading operations between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(Reserved)

Background Sound Level shall mean the measured sound level in the area, exclusive of extraneous sounds and the sound contribution of the specific source in question.

Applications for generators shall include a commitment to schedule regular testing and maintenance during daytime hours in order to minimize impact on surrounding residential properties.

The Board shall determine that the waiver will not create detrimental impacts on the surrounding properties, taking into consideration the physical relationship of the proposed use and structure to surrounding residential uses and structures;

The Board shall impose alternative methods which will cause the development to comply with the purpose of the Residential Compatibility Standards;

Building height restrictions found in this chapter may be waived only if there is a taller intervening structure between the proposed structure and the adjacent residential zoning district, in which case the height shall be limited to the height of the intervening structure; and

Setbacks for accessory uses, required by Section 912.04, shall be waived only if additional screening is required by the Board, beyond that required by Chapter 918, such that the items are completely screened from view from abutting residential properties at grade level of the residential properties.

Purpose. The operational performance standards included in this Chapter are intended to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Pittsburgh by regulating potential nuisance features associated with certain land uses.

Applicability. The standards of this Chapter are standards of performance that apply to uses after they have been established. They are intended to provide quantifiable rules of operation that can be used to ensure that uses do not become nuisances. They are not intended to be conditions for development approval. Buildings, structures or tracts of land that are established, developed or constructed shall comply with all applicable performance standards of this Chapter, except that the following activities shall only be subject to Section 917.04, Air Quality/Emissions, and Section 917.06, Construction Operations:

Conflict with Other Zoning Provisions. In the case of any conflict between the performance standards of this Chapter and the other regulations of this Code, the more restrictive shall control.

Conflict with Local, State or Federal Regulations. In case of conflict between the performance standards set forth in this Chapter and any rules or regulations adopted by any other governmental agencies, the more restrictive shall apply.

Method of Measurement. Noise shall be measured with a sound level meter that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Section S1.4-1983 (R2006), Type 1 or Type 2.) Noise levels shall be measured using an A-Frequency weighting filter. Impact noises, produced when two (2) or more objects strike each other, shall be measured using the fast time-weighting of the sound level meter, and other noises using slow time-weighting. Impact noises shall be considered to be those noises whose peak values are more than three (3) decibels higher than the slow time-weighted noise measurements.

Maximum Permitted Sound Levels. The maximum permitted sound pressure levels in decibels across lot lines and district boundaries shall be in accordance with following table. This table shall be used to determine the maximum noise level, measured in A-weighted decibels, that shall be permitted at the property line of the closest use in each of the following categories. Background Sound Level shall mean the measured sound level in the area, exclusive of extraneous sounds and the sound contribution of the specific source in question.

Impact construction or demolition operations such as pile drivers, jackhammers, concrete saws, etc., shall be limited to between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday;

A Construction Management Plan may be required as a condition of zoning approval at the determination of the Zoning Administrator and shall be required for;

Construction efforts necessary for emergency and critical public works operations are exempted from the standards of this section;

Exceptions to the construction operations standards of this section may be granted as part of a Construction Management Plan, which is subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator, Director of the Department of Public Works, and the Director of Permits, Licenses and Inspections, who may require conditions of approval including but not limited to noise mitigation and additional time constraints;

The Board shall determine that the waiver will not create detrimental impacts on the surrounding properties, taking into consideration the physical relationship of the proposed use and structure to surrounding uses and structures, the probable hours of operation, and the emission of odors, fumes, dust, noise, vibration or glaring light;

The waiver does not cause the proposed project to violate any Federal, State or other local laws which may apply; and

The Board shall impose alternative methods which will cause the development to comply with the stated purpose and intent of the Operational Performance Standards.

Purpose. The Landscaping and Screening Standards of this chapter are intended to:

Applicability. The landscaping and screening standards of this chapter shall apply to all development that is subject to the Site Plan Review provisions of Section 922.04, the Project Development Plan provisions of Section 922.10 and the Final Land Development Plan Provisions of Section 922.11.C, except that the following shall be exempt to the extent indicated.

Special Definitions. The following special definitions shall apply throughout the Landscaping and Screening Regulations of this chapter.

General Landscaping. Any portion of a developed lot or property that is not used for the location of buildings, structures, accessory uses, off-street parking, loading areas, sidewalks or similar features shall be landscaped. Landscaped areas shall be irrigated. Mulch, stone and other non-vegetative material shall not be substituted for landscaping. Paving that exceeds requirements for off-street parking areas, driveways, loading areas and sidewalks shall not be substituted for landscaping.

Off-Street Parking Areas. A minimum of twenty-five (25) square feet of landscaping shall be provided for each parking space in parking lots with up to one hundred (100) parking spaces. For parking lots with more than one hundred (100) parking spaces, a minimum thirty (30) square feet of landscaping shall be provided for each parking space. Required landscaping shall take the form of planter strips, landscaped areas, or perimeter landscaping. The landscaping shall include at least one (1) tree for every five (5) parking spaces. Landscaped areas shall be dispersed throughout the parking lot. Planter strips, landscaped areas, and perimeter landscaped areas shall have a minimum width of five (5) feet.

Street Trees. At least one (1) street tree shall be provided for each thirty (30) linear feet of property adjoining a public street. Street trees shall be planted between the sidewalk and street curb. If planting in that area is not possible, street trees shall be installed within twenty (20) feet of street curb. Trees planted between a sidewalk and street curb must have a minimum nonpaved planting area of thirty (30) square feet, with a minimum depth of three (3) feet. In cases where there is an existing pattern of street trees, compatible new trees shall be planted according to the existing tree spacing and pattern to the greatest extent possible. In cases where street trees are to be provided by the Department of Public Works, applicant shall provide proof of application through the Street Tree Program to the Zoning Administrator.

Applicability. The following site features shall be screened on all sides except those sides that abut (not across a street) other features required to be screened. If subsections 1, 2, or 3 below face a residential zone, they must be equipped with a removable screen:

Standards. Required screening shall comply with the following standards. All items noted in Section 918.03.A. above shall be located such that the access location is not on the street side of any residential lot, and does not face on to the street side of any other residential lot. All items noted in Section 918.03.A.1 above are required to be screened from view from adjacent property and right of ways, with a visual barrier as defined in this section.

Plant Materials. The selection of plant materials shall be based upon the City of Pittsburgh's climate and soils, and the selection of native and indigenous plant materials is strongly encouraged. A list of allowable and preferred plant species shall be available in the office of the Zoning Administrator.

Plant Quality. All plants shall be A-grade or No. 1 grade, with coherent root ball or wrapped roots, of normal health, height, leaf density and spread appropriate to the species.

Installation. All landscaping shall be installed according to sound nursery practices in a manner designed to encourage vigorous growth. All landscape material, living and non-living, shall be healthy and in place prior to issuance of final Occupancy Certificate. A temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued prior to installation of required landscaping if written assurances and financial guarantees are submitted ensuring that planting will take place when planting season arrives.

Maintenance and Replacement.

Trees, shrubs, fences, walls and other landscape features depicted on plans approved by the City shall be considered as elements of the project in the same manner as parking, building materials and other details are elements of the plan.

The land owner, or successors in interest, or agent, if any, shall be jointly and severally responsible for the following:

The alternative plan shall illustrate that the intent of the provisions of this chapter can be more effectively met, in whole or in part, through the alternative means;

The proposed solution shall meet or exceed otherwise applicable landscaping and screening requirements;

Natural land characteristics or existing vegetation on the proposed development site would achieve the intent of this chapter;

Innovative landscaping or architectural design is employed on the proposed development site to achieve a screening effect that is equivalent to the screening standards of this chapter;

The required landscaping or buffering would be ineffective at maturity due to topography or the location of improvements on the site; or

The proposed alternative represents a plan that is as good or better than a plan prepared in strict compliance with the other standards of this chapter.

Purpose. The sign regulations of this chapter are intended to:

Applicability. The sign regulations of this chapter shall govern and control the erection, rehabilitation, enlargement, illumination, animation and maintenance of all signs that are visible from the public right-of-way or from property other than that on which the subject sign is located. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed a waiver of the provisions of any other ordinance or regulation applicable to signs. No sign shall be painted on a wall or on the surface of any window or door of a building or other structure until the provisions of this Code are satisfied.

Special Definitions. The following special definitions shall apply throughout the sign regulations of this chapter.

Signs Exempt from Permit Requirements. A Certificate of Occupancy is not required for a sign satisfying the provisions of this Code that does not exceed four (4) square feet in face area.

Prohibited Signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts:

Signs Identifying Nonconformities. No sign shall be erected or painted identifying a nonconforming use without review by the Board of Adjustment.

Illumination. Illumination of signs shall be permitted only in those districts specified and thence with a stationary shielded light source, with internal illumination or with neon type construction.

Liability for Damages. The provisions of this Code or the issuance of any sign permit shall not be construed as relieving or limiting the responsibility or liability of the person erecting, owning or maintaining any sign from personal injury or property damage resulting from such sign or work relating thereto; nor shall it be construed as imposing upon the City, or its officers or employees any responsibility or liability by reason of the approval of any sign, material or device under any of the provisions of this Code.

Maintenance. Any sign, together with its supports, braces, guys, anchors and electrical equipment, shall be kept fully operable, in good repair and maintained in a safe manner and in a neat, clean and attractive condition; the sign face areas shall be kept neatly painted or posted.

Sign Removal. All signs relating to a product no longer available for purchase and all signs relating to a business which is terminated or relocated shall be removed or the advertising copy shall be removed. Painted wall signs shall be painted over with a color that resembles or matches the remainder of the building. Should the owner of, or person responsible for the sign, or if the tenant terminating the business fails to remove or paint over the sign within thirty (30) days following the date of obsolescence, the owner of the premises then shall be held responsible for such removal within sixty (60) days following the date of obsolescence.

Double-Face Signs. Where a sign is permitted by any provision of this chapter, it shall be construed to permit a double face sign. Each face of a double sign may equal the maximum size for the particular type of sign permitted in this chapter.

General Location. Advertising signs shall be situated so as to be entirely within the boundaries of the subject zoning lot; shall not extend above the roof line or parapet wall, whichever is higher, of any building to which it may be attached; and shall not be located within the boundary lines of any railroad right-of-way or upon any zoning lot on which a railroad passenger station or other railroad building is located.

Subdistricts. There shall be two (2) subdistricts established within the AS-O District - Subdistrict A and Subdistrict B, as indicated on the Zoning District Map. Regulations applying to these subdistricts are indicated below.

Electronic Advertising Signs.

Separation from Other Uses. The face of an advertising sign shall be situated so that it is not visible within a sight distance of three hundred fifty (350) feet of the following:

No Painting Directly on Walls. Advertising signs shall not be painted directly on the wall of any building.

Number Allowed. The number of advertising sign structures shall be limited to one (1) structure per zoning lot which shall contain no more than two (2) separate sign faces. The faces may be arranged: back-to-back, side-to-side, decked or V-type. In no case shall there be more than one (1) sign face on any wall of a building.

Maximum Face Area. The square foot face area of an advertising sign shall not exceed seven hundred fifty (750) square feet in Subdistrict A and three hundred seventy-eight (378) square feet in Subdistrict B. The face shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height or sixty (60) feet in length.

Height. The height of an advertising sign shall be measured from the ground elevation nearest to the sign to the highest elevation of the sign structure, the overall height of the sign shall not exceed a height of thirty-five (35) feet in Subdistrict B and forty-five (45) feet in Subdistrict A. All signs shall be setback within the buildable area of the zoning lot in accordance with the area requirements of the applicable zoning district.

Spacing. The spacing of advertising signs shall be limited as follows:

Illumination. The illumination of advertising signs shall be limited as follows:

Location on Restricted Access Highways. Any advertising sign erected after May 10, 1958, shall be removed by the owner thereof, at the owner's expense, within one (1) year after the affected portion of any highway becomes or is designated a restricted access highway in accordance with the provisions of this Code and has been officially opened for public use, if an advertising sign is within three hundred fifty (350) feet of the center line of such highway or the interchange ramps thereof and the face of an advertising sign is visible therefrom.

General Prohibitions.

Maintenance. Any advertising sign, together with its supports, braces, guys, anchors and electrical equipment, shall be kept fully operable, in good repair and maintained in a safe manner and in a neat, clean and attractive condition. The display surfaces of all advertising signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted.

Nonconforming Advertising Signs. A nonconforming advertising sign may be continued only as provided in this section:

Location in Historic Districts. Advertising signs in City designated Historic Districts or within one hundred (100) feet of and visible from such Districts shall be approved by the Historic Review Commission prior to obtaining zoning approval.

Annual Inspection Tags. The Bureau of Building Inspection shall annually issue inspection tags for each sign face as follows:

Advertising Signs on Public Transit Shelters, as follows:

Advertising signs shall only be permitted on public transit shelters located within the public right-of-way, which comply with the provisions of Chapter 419 of Title 4, Article I of the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances. Additionally, public information kiosks, installed by, or under the direction of, the City of Pittsburgh, with advertising signs shall also be permitted, whether on private property, public property, or in the public right-of-way. Both must meet the following criteria:

Signs Inside Buildings. Signs on the inside of the buildings or other structures, designed not to be seen from the exterior of such buildings or structures shall be permitted in any district with unlimited size and interior location.

Flags. Official government flags, emblems and insignia shall be permitted in any district with unlimited size and location.

Plaques, Cornerstones and Nameplates. Memorial plaques, cornerstones or name plates bearing only the name of the owner, the name or use of the structure or the date of erection of the structure shall be permitted in any district, subject to the following:

Historic Tablets. Historic tablets or building directories bearing only the name of the owner, the name or use of the structure and its occupants, the date of erection of the structure or reading matter commemorating a person, event or significance of the location shall be allowed in all districts, subject to the following standards:

Bulletin Boards. Bulletin boards of religious and other institutions used to indicate the services or activities offered on the premises shall be permitted in any district provided that such signs:

Real Estate and Political Signs. Temporary real estate signs pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises and temporary political campaign signs or posters relating to the election of a person to public office, to a political party or to a matter to be voted upon at an election called by a public body shall be subject to the following regulations.

Address Signs. Street address numerals shall be permitted in any district provided the face area shall not exceed two (2) square feet.

Holiday Displays. Temporary displays or signs in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday, permitted in any district provided:

Convenience Information Signs. Convenience information signs, such as date, time and weather, and official emblems of on-premises religious, charitable, public and nonprofit organizations may be permitted in any district provided that such signs:

Public Information Signs. Public service and information signs of such size and type and in such locations approved by the Director of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, intended to satisfy the public need, are permitted in any district, including:

Public Parking Identification and Rate Signs.

Home Occupation Signs. Signs required by licensing requirements:

Business Signs and Identification Signs. Business signs or identification signs (other than the miscellaneous signs described in Section 919.03.A through Section 919.03.L, and Section 919.03.N) shall be allowed in accordance with the following standards.

Identification Signs Not Regulated Above.

Electronic Non-Advertising Signs.

Major Public Destination Facility Electronic Signs.

Special Signage Design Districts.

A Special Signage Design Zoning District ("SSDD") may be created in accordance with Section 922.05 if the proposed district is at least eight (8) acres in size and eighty (80) percent of the property owners (determined by eighty (80) percent of the land area) petition the City Planning Commission to create such special signage design district.

The SSDD regulations, developed via Section 922.05, are intended to provide a framework for alternative forms of development for areas that desire enhanced use of electronic and non-electronic non-advertising signs. Applicable regulations and procedures are intended to create efficient, functional and attractive urban areas that incorporate high levels of amenities and that meet public objectives for protection and preservation of the natural environment while defining the character of the SSDD in a way that is consistent with these objectives. The regulations are intended to permit a substantial amount of flexibility in the use of electronic and non-electronic non-advertising signage because of the large size of the site and because of its relative isolation from any neighborhood context.

The Department of City Planning will develop procedures, standards and regulations for all signage in any proposed SSDD District with the applicant prior to any formal action by the Planning Commission. Notice shall be made of such an application pursuant to Section 922.05.C.

Conflicts. The provisions of this section shall take precedence over any conflicting provisions in Article VI, Section 919.03 relating to non-advertising signs.

Neighborhood Gateway Signs. Neighborhood Gateway Signs may be permitted in order to identify the major entrance gateways to a City neighborhood in accordance with the following standards:

General.

Regulations Applicable to All Neighborhood Business Districts. The provisions of this section apply to all Neighborhood Business Sign Districts.

East Carson Street District Standards. The provisions in this section apply only within the East Carson Street Neighborhood Business Sign District.

The signs shall be prohibited in all residential zoning districts and in all historic districts designated pursuant to Title 11 of this Code;

The signs shall be posted for consecutive days, but not more than thirty (30) consecutive days;

There shall not be more than five (5) signs for a single event approved pursuant to this section;

Signs for the same event shall not be approved, pursuant to this section, more than once per calendar year;

Any sponsorship logos or trademarks shall not cover more than fifteen (15) percent of the sign face;

The signs shall not be larger than three hundred seventy-eight (378) square feet;

The signs shall not contain any flashing text or graphics;

The signs shall not contain any animation;

Provision of Child Care Facilities.

Floor Area Bonus. The lesser of four hundred (400) percent of the gross floor area of the required child day care facility or facilities provided pursuant to this chapter or one-half (½) the gross floor area of that floor of the subject structure located at the midpoint of the structure's height shall be excluded from the calculation of the permitted floor area of the subject structure or the permitted bulk of the subject structure as defined by the area requirements of the Zoning District in which the subject structure is located, and from the calculation of the permitted height of the subject structure as defined by the height requirements of the Zoning District in which the subject structure is located, provided that such exclusion shall not increase the permissible site coverage of the subject structure or decrease any yard requirement of the subject structure as defined by that Zoning District by more than the increase in gross floor area afforded by this section when divided by the total number of floors of the structure and provided that such exclusion shall not increase the otherwise allowable height of the subject structure within the underlying zoning district by more than one (1) floor.

Net Increase in Space Required. The provisions of this section may be satisfied only by a net increase in child day care facility space as computed under the requirements of this section and as located in compliance with the requirements of this section. Purchasing, leasing, relocating or otherwise reserving existing space in existing child day care facilities shall not satisfy the provisions of this chapter.

Operation by Licensed Child Day Care Provider. A child day care facility constructed or provided pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be operated by a licensed child day care provider.

Preference to Tenants. Preference in the allocation of child day care services in a child day care facility created pursuant to this chapter shall be given to the tenants, and employees of tenants, of the structure which has caused the creation of the facility.

The gross floor area of the required child day care facility in office structures shall total no less than one thousand two hundred sixty (1,260) square feet or one and four tenths (1.40) percent of the gross floor area of the structure exclusive of parking, loading and those exceptions listed under Section 914.11, whichever is greater.

The gross floor area of the required child day care facility in any structure other than an office, residential or industrial structures shall total no less than one thousand two hundred sixty (1,260) square feet or 0.70 percent of the gross floor area of the structure exclusive of parking, loading and those exceptions listed under Section 920.01.A, whichever is greater.

In the case of a mixed-use development, the gross floor area of the required child day care facility shall total no less than the sum of the gross floor areas of the required child day care facilities for each component use of the development as calculated under this section.

Any net increase in the gross floor area of a structure, conditional use, unit group development or planned development through subsequent development action shall be matched by a corresponding increase in the gross floor area of the required child day care facility or facilities. Such increase shall be computed per Section 920.01.A and Section 920.02. The owner or agent for the subject structure shall certify that the requirement for a net increase in child day care facilities specified herein remains satisfied. Any net decrease in the gross floor area of a structure, conditional use, unit group development or planned development through subsequent development action may, at the owner's option, be matched by a corresponding decrease in the gross floor area of the required child day care facility or facilities. Such decrease shall not exceed the amount computed per Section 920.01.A and Section 920.02.

The required child day care facility shall be located on the same zoning lot as the subject structure and in accordance with the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Building Inspection, except as specified in Section 920.05.B.

The location or locations of the required facility or facilities may be changed provided that the new facility or facilities are located in accordance with Section 920.03.A and Section 920.05.B and that the owner of or agent for the subject structure certifies that the requirement for a net increase in child day care facilities under Section 920.02.D remains satisfied.

The requirement for the provision of the child day care facility for a single structure may be met through a combination of two (2) or more child day care facilities whose combined gross floor area totals no less than the required gross floor area specified in Section 920.02 and are located in accordance with Section 920.03 and Section 920.05.B, provided that each of such facilities are of a minimum size of one thousand two hundred sixty (1,260) square feet gross floor area.

Reduction in the Gross Floor Area of the Child Day Care Facility Required. The gross floor area of the child care facility may be reduced provided that:

Increase in Site Coverage/ Decrease in Yard Requirement. In all districts other than R or RP, increase in the permissible site coverage of a structure or the decrease in any yard requirement of a structure meeting the requirements of Section 920.01 Child Day Care Facilities provided:

Day Care Location Exceptions.