Pittsburgh City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IX
Measurements and Definitions
§ 925.01 Lot Size.
[Ord. 35-2002, § 1F, 12-3-2002]
Lot size or lot area refers to the amount of horizontal land area within lot lines. No building permit or development approval shall be issued for a lot that does not meet the minimum lot size requirements of this Code except in the following cases.
A.
Reduction for Public Purpose. When an existing lot is reduced as a result of conveyance to a federal, state or local government for a public purpose and the remaining area is at least seventy-five (75) percent of the required minimum lot size for the district in which it is located, then that remaining lot shall be deemed to comply with the minimum lot size standards of this Code.
B.
Utility Facilities. Utility facilities using land or an unoccupied building requiring less than one thousand (1,000) square feet of site area are exempt from the minimum lot size standards of all zoning districts.
§ 925.02 Lot Width.
Lot width refers to the horizontal distance between the side lot lines as measured along a straight line parallel to the front lot line or the chord thereof. The minimum lot width shall be measured between the side lot lines along a line that is parallel to the front lot line and located the minimum front setback distance from the front lot line. In the case of cul-de-sac lots, the minimum lot width may be measured between the side lot lines along a line that is parallel to the front lot line and located at the actual front building line.
§ 925.03 Density.
Density refers to the number of dwelling units for each (gross) acre of land. Density shall be calculated by dividing the number of dwelling units by the lot area (in acres).
§ 925.04 Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
Floor area ratio (FAR) refers to the amount of gross floor area of all principal buildings on a lot divided by the total area of the lot on which such buildings are located.
§ 925.05 Build-To Line.
"Build-to line" requirements are established in some zoning districts as a means of preserving the established pattern of development along streets. The build-to line is an imaginary line that falls within three (3) feet of the line along which most buildings in a block have the majority of their front facade.
§ 925.06 Setbacks.
[Ord. 28, 11-17-2000/Amend. U-25; Ord. No. 27-2016, § 1, eff. 10-11-2016; Ord. No. 57-2021, § 3, eff. 12-27-2021; Ord. No. 5-2023, § 2, 5-22-2023; Ord. No. 5-2023, § 3, 5-22-2023; Ord. No. 27-2016, § 2, eff. 10-11-2016; Ord. 16(99)/6-1-1999/Amend. U-6; Ord. 21-2002, § 26, 6-18-2002; Ord. 36-2005, § 1, eff. 12-14-2005; Ord. 42-2005, § 39, eff. 12-30-2005; Ord. No. 25-2011, § 2, eff. 12-22-2011; Ord. No. 26-2011, § 1, eff. 12-22-2011; Ord. No. 31-2018, § 18, eff. 8-6-2018; Ord. No. 57-2021, § 3, eff. 12-27-2021]
Setbacks refer to the required unoccupied open space between the furthermost projection of a structure and the property line of the lot on which the structure is located, except as modified by the standards of this section. Required setbacks shall be unobstructed from the ground to the sky except as specified in this section.
A.
Features Allowed Within Setbacks. The following structures and features may be located within required setbacks:
1.
Trees, shrubbery or other features of natural growth provided that they do not obstruct vehicular sight distances;
2.
Solar energy and small wind energy systems when located on rooftops;
3.
Small non-permanent residential accessory features that do not require a building permit such as play equipment, landscape decorations, and similar features;
4.
Railings not more than three and one-half (3½) feet in height constructed on any balcony, stairway, porch or landing platform;
5.
Driveways and sidewalks;
6.
Signs, provided that they are specifically permitted by the sign regulations of this Code;
7.
Bay windows, architectural design embellishments, and cantilevered floor areas of dwellings that do not project more than two (2) feet into the required setback;
8.
Eaves that do not project more than two (2) feet into the required setback;
9.
Entrance hoods, terraces, canopies, and balconies that do not project more than five (5) feet into a required front or rear setback nor more than two (2) feet into a required side setback;
10.
Chimneys, flues and ventilating ducts that do not project more than two (2) feet into a required setback and when placed so as not to obstruct light and ventilation;
11.
Utility lines, wires and associated structures, such as power poles;
12.
Retaining walls, provided that they do not obstruct vehicular sight lines;
13.
Open outside stairways or fire escapes that do not project more than four (4) feet into a required side or rear yard; and
14.
Open structures such as porches, decks or landing places which do not extend above the first floor of the building, may be erected:
(a)
In required front, or rear yards, or street side yard, provided the structure is not more than nine (9) feet in depth and no closer to an abutting interior side yard lot line than the existing primary structure;
(b)
The space beneath the projecting porch, decks or landing place may serve as part of an interior minor garage, provided no portion of the garage extends above the adjoining ground level or farther into the yard than the open porch, deck or landing place and no garage doors open outward.
15.
Access ramps and lifts for people with disabilities with review of the design, construction and location by the Zoning Administrator to insure appropriate context with the existing structure and neighborhood.
16.
HVAC units and similar mechanical equipment located on rooftops may be located within setbacks subject to the following standards:
17.
HVAC units and similar mechanical equipment, excluding emergency generators, located at grade, may be located within setbacks subject to the following standards:
(a)
When located within side yards or rear yards, equipment shall be screened so as not to be visible and to buffer sound to abutting properties using landscaping and/or fencing. When located within five (5) feet of an interior sideyard property line, solid privacy fencing must be used; and
(b)
When located in front yards, mechanical equipment shall be located no closer to the street than an existing front porch or stoop and shall be screened using landscaping and/or decorative fencing so as not to be visible from Streets and abutting properties. Equipment shall not be permitted in front yards where no existing porch or stoop exists; and
(c)
Units shall be compliant with applicable noise and operational standards.
B.
Contextual Front Setbacks. Regardless of the minimum front setback requirements imposed by the zoning district standards of this Code, applicants shall be allowed to use the Contextual Front Setback. The Contextual Front Setback shall apply only to primary uses and structures. A Contextual Front Setback for any lot with street frontage may fall at any point between the (zoning district) required front setback and the front setback that exists on a lot that is adjacent and oriented on the same side of the street as the subject lot or that of a build-to line established by at least fifty (50) percent of the primary structures within the same block as the subject property on the same side of the street as demonstrated by the applicant with plot plans, surveys, maps, and other evidence determined to be acceptable by the Zoning Administrator. This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring a greater front setback than imposed by the underlying zoning district, and it shall not be interpreted as allowing setbacks to be reduced to a level that results in right-of-way widths dropping below established minimums. Contextual Front Setbacks may not be applied to the Riparian Buffer Zone as established in Section 905.04.E.4.a, RIV Riverfront Zoning District.
C.
Contextual Side Setbacks.
Regardless of the minimum side setback requirements imposed by the zoning standards of this Code, applicants shall be allowed to use a Contextual Side Setback. The Contextual Side Setback shall apply only to primary uses and structures. A Contextual Side Setback may fall at any point between the required side setback and the side setback that exists on a lot that is adjacent and oriented to the same street as the subject lot, but shall be a minimum of three (3) feet. If the subject lot is a corner lot, the Contextual Side Setback may fall at any point between the required side setback required by the zoning district and the side setback that exists on the lot that is adjacent and oriented to the same street as the subject lot, but shall be a minimum of three (3) feet. If lots on either side of the subject lot are vacant, the setback that is required by the zoning district shall apply. This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring a greater side setback than imposed by the underlying zoning district, and it shall not be interpreted as allowing setbacks to be reduced to a level that results in right-of-way widths dropping below established minimums. Contextual Side Setbacks may not be applied to the Riparian Buffer Zone as established in Section 905.04.E.4.a, RIV Riverfront Zoning District.
Regardless of the setbacks of adjacent structures, for any single-unit house on a recorded zoning lot that is less than sixty (60) feet in width, the side yards may be reduced according to the following:
Lot Width | Required Interior Setback | Required Streetside Setback |
|---|---|---|
59′ | 5′ | 29′ |
58′ | 5′ | 28′ |
57′ | 5′ | 27′ |
56′ | 5′ | 26′ |
55′ | 5′ | 25′ |
54′ | 5′ | 24′ |
53′ | 5′ | 23′ |
52′ | 5′ | 22′ |
51′ | 5′ | 21′ |
50′ | 5′ | 20′ |
49 | 5′ | 20′ |
48′ | 5′ | 19′ |
47′ | 5′ | 19′ |
46′ | 5′ | 18′ |
45′ | 5′ | 18′ |
44′ | 4′ | 18′ |
43′ | 4′ | 17′ |
42′ | 4′ | 17′ |
41′ | 4′ | 16′ |
40′ | 4′ | 16′ |
39′ | 4′ | 15′ |
38′ | 4′ | 15′ |
37′ and below | 3′ | 15′ |
1.
Reduced Setback on Both Sides. The applicant may reduce the side setback to three (3) feet on both sides only if adjacent properties have setbacks of three (3) feet or less on the sides abutting the applicant's property.
2.
Zero Setback on One or Both Sides. The applicant may reduce the side setback to zero when the side of the abutting property has a zero side setback when both building walls abut each other.
D.
Front Setbacks on Corner and Irregular Lots. In the case of corner or irregular lots, the Zoning Administrator shall determine which frontages shall be considered the "front", "side", and "rear" setbacks. Criteria to be considered shall include but not be limited to orientation of the primary structure, orientation of the neighboring structures, and the location of the entrances to the structure.
E.
Setbacks Reduced for Public Purpose. When an existing setback is reduced as a result of conveyance to a federal, state or local government for a public purpose and the remaining setback is at least seventy-five (75) percent of the required minimum setback for the district in which it is located, then that remaining setback shall be deemed to be in compliance with the minimum setback standards of this Code.
F.
Interior Side Setbacks When None Required. When no interior side setback is required and such a setback is provided it shall be a minimum of three (3) feet in depth. If an interior side setback is not provided the wall of the structure shall be on the interior side lot line.
G.
Features Allowed within Setbacks by Administrator's Exception. The Zoning Administrator shall be authorized, in accordance with the Administrator Exception procedures of Section 922.08, to permit features as per Section 925.06.G.1 within setbacks, according to the provisions of Section 925.06.G.2 below.
1.
Permitted Features. The following features shall be permitted within setbacks in accordance with the standards of this section:
(a)
Swimming pool and deck in rear and side yards;
(b)
Garage, carport or parking stalls for residential uses with four (4) or more parking spaces and all other non-residential uses in rear and side yards;
(c)
Storage shed or gazebo in rear and side yards;
(d)
Decks and porches in the front, side or rear yard;
(e)
Dumpsters;
(f)
Building additions to primary structures, where the existing primary structure is built within a setback, except for the Riparian Buffer as per Section 905.04.E.4;
(g)
Enclosures of existing decks and porches in side or rear yards;
(h)
Rooftop decks on detached garages; and
(i)
Accessory Structures not listed above, where the primary structure is built within a setback.
2.
Standards. The applicant shall establish, by submittal of a plot plan, photograph(s) and other pertinent data such as written approval by abutting property owners that:
(a)
For features other than porches, and decks, with respect to the front and side yard setback requirements, the proposed construction or erection will not place the accessory use, structures, or additions any closer to the front or neighboring property line than the building line of the applicant's existing, legally established, primary structure;
(b)
The establishment, maintenance, location and operation of the proposed use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare;
(c)
Authorization of the proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes permitted, nor substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood;
(d)
The establishment of the proposed exception will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in that district; and
(e)
Any illumination or drainage shall be contained on site and directed away from abutting properties.
3.
Administrator Action. Before approving an application, the Administrator shall recommend reasonable adjustments including, but not limited to, items concerning utilities, drainage, noise, landscaping and maintenance thereof, lighting, access, egress, screening of accessways to ensure that authorization of the proposed exception is consistent with the standards found in Section 925.06.G.2 above.
H.
Front Yard Parking.
1.
Authorization of Front Yard District. The City Planning Commission may designate a Front Yard District at the request of at least sixty (60) percent of the property owners on the blockface of any specific street according to the procedure established by the Zoning Administrator. Blockface is defined as all properties on one (1) side of a given street existing between two (2) consecutive intersecting streets. Designation of a Front Yard Parking District allows individual property owners to file for a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment to park one (1) noncommercial automobile in the front yard of a residence, under certain conditions, as prescribed in Section 925.06.H.2. Designation of a Front Yard District shall be considered subject to the following criteria:
(a)
The cartway of the block shall be no wider than eighteen (18) feet for a one-way street, or no wider than twenty-seven (27) feet for a two-way street; and
(b)
A majority of the lots along the subject block shall not be accessible to the rear or side yard; or
(c)
Where the Planning Commission determines physical conditions warrant creation of a Front Yard Parking District, such as, but not limited to:
2.
Conditions of Special Exception. Installation of one (1) parking stall for a noncommercial automobile when accessory to a residential use shall be limited to RSD, Single-Unit Detached Residential, RSA, Single-Unit Attached Residential, and RT, Two-Unit Residential Use Subdistricts when located in an overlay Front Yard Parking District as designated by the Planning Commission, as specified under Section 925.06.H.1, provided:
(a)
The maximum dimensions of the stall shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in depth and ten (10) feet in width or fifty (50) percent of the property's frontage, whichever is less;
(b)
The stall shall be designed so that a vehicle parked on it shall not project onto any public right-of-way and will be accessed via a depressed-type cub cut, built according to city standards;
(c)
The stall shall be located so as to provide a minimum five-foot wide landscaped side yard;
(d)
The stall shall be paved with concrete, asphalt, or pavers, not including grass, slag, gravel, or mulch;
(e)
Each lot within the Front Yard Parking District shall be subject to the following criteria:
(1)
The lot shall not be accessible to the rear or side yard; or
(2)
The Zoning Board of Adjustment determines that physical conditions warrant inclusion such as but not limited to (1) excessive topography which prevents parking on lot other than the front yard, or (2) location of underground utility lines which prevent access to rear and side yard.
(f)
The remainder of the front yard shall be landscaped to adequately screen the parking space from view by adjoining properties to the fullest extent possible. Landscaping shall include evergreen shrubs, trees, decorative walls, and other decorative elements to achieve the proper screening.
I.
Contextual Rear Setbacks. Regardless of the minimum rear setback requirements imposed by the zoning district standards of this Code, applicants shall be allowed to use a Contextual Rear Setback. The Contextual Rear Setback shall apply only to primary uses and structures. A Contextual Rear Setback may fall at any point between the required rear setback and the rear setback that exists on a lot that is adjacent to the subject lot and oriented to the same street as the subject lot. If the subject lot is a corner lot, the Contextual Setback may fall at any point between the rear setback required by the zoning district regulations and the rear setback that is adjacent to the subject lot and oriented to the same street as the subject lot. If lots on either side of the subject lot are vacant, the setback that is required by the zoning district shall apply. This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring a greater rear setback than imposed the zoning district, and it shall not be interpreted as allowing setbacks to be reduced to a level that results in right-of-way widths dropping below established minimums. Contextual Rear Setbacks may not be applied to the Riparian Buffer Zone as established in Section 905.04.E.4.a, Riverfront Zoning District.
§ 925.07 Height.
[Ord. No. 6-2007, § 1, 4-12-2007; Ord. No. 27-2016, § 3, eff. 10-11-2016; Ord. No. 6-2007, § 1, 4-12-2007; Ord. No. 31-2018, § 18, eff. 8-6-2018]
A.
Measured in Feet. When measured in feet, building height refers to the vertical distance between the average finished grade along the wall facing the front street yard at the base of the building and: 1) the highest point of the coping of a flat roof; 2) the deck line of a mansard roof; or 3) the average height level between the eaves and ridge line of a gable, hip or gambrel roof. In the case of fences or walls, other than retaining walls, height shall be measured on the side with the least vertical exposure above finished grade to the top of the fence or wall.
B.
Measured in Stories. In measuring the height of a building in stories the following measurement rules shall apply:
1.
A basement, half-story, or penthouse, when designed for dwellings or primary occupancy shall be counted as a full story;
2.
A basement shall be counted a full story when sixty (60) percent or more of the exterior surface of any street wall thereof, extends above the ground directly abutting such exterior street wall. In determining the percentage of exposed exterior surface of basement street walls, one hundred (100) percent shall be calculated by multiplying the width of such exterior walls by an assumed basement floor elevation of nine (9) feet measured downward from the surface of the first floor above the basement;
3.
A balcony or mezzanine shall be counted a full story when its floor area is in excess of one-third (⅓) of the total area of the nearest full floor directly below it.
C.
Exemptions from Height Standards. The following structures and features, except when designed as dwellings or primary occupancy, shall be exempt from the height requirements of this Code:
1.
Chimneys, smokestacks or flues that cover no more than five (5) percent of the horizontal surface area of the roof;
2.
Cooling towers and ventilators that cover no more than five (5) percent of the horizontal surface area of the roof;
3.
Elevator bulkheads and stairway enclosures;
4.
Fire towers;
5.
Utility poles and support structures;
6.
Belfries, spires and steeples;
7.
Monuments and ornamental towers; and
8.
Radio and television antennas, including satellite dishes less than thirty-two (32) inches in diameter.
9.
HVAC units, solar energy systems, similar mechanical equipment, and any necessary screening thereof.
D.
Contextual Height. Regardless of the maximum height limit imposed by the zoning district standards of this Code, applicants shall be allowed to use a contextual height limit. The allowed contextual height may fall at any point between the (zoning district) maximum height limit and the average height of the buildings that exist on adjoining lots that are oriented on the same side of the street as the subject lot. If the subject lot is a corner lot, the contextual height may fall at any point between the (zoning district) maximum height limit and the building height that exists on the adjoining lot that is oriented on the same side of the street as the subject lot. If lots on either side of the subject lot are vacant, the height that "exists" on such vacant lots shall be interpreted as the maximum height limit that applies to the vacant lot. Items listed in Section 925.07.C - Exemptions from Height Standards shall not be used to determine Contextual Height. This provision shall not be interpreted as requiring a greater minimum heights or lower maximum heights than imposed by the underlying zoning district, and it shall not be interpreted as allowing buildings heights that would conflict with Residential Compatibility Standard height limits of Chapter 916. Where bonus provisions of this code permit height that also qualifies as contextual height, the contextual height provisions of this section may only be used above the maximum allowable bonus height when the necessary requirements to achieve the bonus height have been met.
§ 926.01 Definitions.
[Ord. 28, 11-17-2000, Amend. U-25; Ord. 23-2001, § 3, eff. 11-30-2001; Ord. 21-2002, § 27, eff. 6-18-2002; Ord. 22-2002, § 1K, eff. 6-25-2002; Ord. No. 2-2005, §§ 1A, 1B, eff. 1-25-2005; Ord. 39-2005, § 1D, eff. 12-30-2005; Ord. 40-2005, § 1A, eff. 12-30-2005; Ord. 42-2005, §§ 40, 41, eff. 12-30-2005; Ord. No. 19-2010, § 2A, eff. 6-17-2010; Ord. No. 25-2015, § 5, eff. 7-9-2015; Ord. No. 33-2016, § 3, eff. 12-13-2016; Ord. No. 13-2017, § 4, eff. 3-6-2017; Ord. No. 6-2018, § 1, eff. 3-16-2018; Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021; Ord. No. 17-2022, § 9, eff. 6-30-2022; Ord. No. 1-2023, § 17, eff. 3-1-2023; Ord. No. 10-2025, eff. 5-7-2025]
Words and terms used in this Code shall be given the meanings set forth in this section. All words not defined in this section shall be given their common, ordinary meanings, as the context may reasonably suggest.
1. ACCESSORY STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY USE
means a use or structure that is subordinate to and serves a primary use or structure; is subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the primary use or structure served; contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of occupants of the primary use or structure served; and is located on the same zoning lot and in the same zoning district as the primary use.
2. ADMINISTRATOR, ZONING
means a staff member of the Department of City Planning so designated by the City Planning Commission, who is herein charged with the administration of this Zoning Ordinance.
3. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT (GENERAL)
means an Adult bookstore, Adult Mini-Theater, Massage establishment, Model studio, or Sexual encounter or Meditation center.
4. ADULT BOOKSTORE
means a commercial establishment having a substantial or significant portion of its stock in trade, books, magazines, photographs, or other material which are distinguished and characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to the specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas defined herein or an establishment with a segment or section devoted to the sale or display of such material.
5. ADULT MINI THEATER
means an enclosed building defined herein as an adult theater but with a capacity less than fifty persons.
5.1. ALTERNATIVE ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTURE(S)
means manmade trees, clock towers, bell steeples, light poles, flag poles, signs, and similar alternative-design mounting structures that camouflage or conceal the presence of Antennas or Towers.
5.2. ANTENNA (OR ANTENNAE OR ANTENNAS)
means any apparatus designed for telephonic, data, radio, or television communications through the sending and/or receiving of electromagnetic waves, including but not limited to, Communications Antenna and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
6. MODEL STUDIO
means any place where, for any form of consideration or gratuity, figure models who display specified anatomical areas are provided to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed or similarly depicted by persons paying such consideration or gratuity, except by any school accredited by the Department of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
7. MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT
means any building, room, place or establishment where, for any form of consideration or gratuity, manipulated massage or manipulated exercises are practiced upon the human body by anyone not a duly licensed physician, osteopath, chiropractor, registered nurse and practical nurse operating under a physician's directions, registered speech pathologists and physical or occupational therapists who treat only patients recommended by a licensed physician and operate only under such physician's direction, whether with or without the use of mechanical, therapeutic or bathing devices, and shall include Turkish bathhouses. The term shall not include a regularly licensed hospital, medical clinic or nursing home, duly licensed beauty parlors or barber shops.
8. SEXUAL ENCOUNTER OR MEDITATION CENTER
means any business, agency or person who, for any form of consideration or gratuity, provides a place where two (2) or more persons, not all members of the same household, may congregate, assemble or associate for the purpose of engaging in specified sexual activities or exposing specified anatomical areas.
9. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT (LIMITED)
means an Adult Cabaret or Adult Theater.
10. ADULT CABARET
means a cabaret which features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, or similar entertainers which characterize an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined herein.
11. ADULT THEATER
means an enclosed building with a capacity of fifty (50) or more persons used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined herein, for observation by patrons therein.
12. ADVERTISING SIGN
means a sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment, conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is displayed.
13. ALTERATION, STRUCTURAL
means any change which would tend to prolong the life of the supporting members of a building or structure, such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders.
14. AMUSEMENT ARCADE
see Use Table, Section 911.02. In addition, the definition of Amusement Arcade also includes any establishment licensed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board where eight (8) or more mechanical or electronic devices, machines, tables or apparatus of any kind are located for playing games of skill or amusement. Amusement Arcade also means any Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board licensed establishment that constitutes a non-conforming use in any residential or P district where six (6) or more mechanical or electronic devices, machines, tables or apparatus of any kind are located for playing games of skill or amusement.
15. ANIMAL CARE (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
16. ANIMAL CARE (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
17. ART OR MUSIC STUDIO
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
18. ASSEMBLY, PUBLIC
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
19. ASSEMBLY, PUBLIC (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
20. ASSEMBLY, PUBLIC (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
21. AUTOMOBILE
means any a self-propelled, free-moving vehicle designed for passenger transportation, including but not limited to cars, motorcycles, mopeds, pickup trucks, or vans, excluding recreational vehicles, boats or trailers.
22. AUTOMOBILE, COMPACT SIZE
means an automobile which occupies an area of less than nine (9) square meters (ninety-seven (97) square feet).
23. AUTOMOBILE, STANDARD SIZE
means an automobile which occupies an area greater than or equal to nine (9) square meters (ninety-seven (97) square feet).
24. AUTOMOBILE, NONCOMMERCIAL
means an automobile designed and used primarily for transport of passengers, but not including a bus, taxicab, limousine or similar vehicle used for commercial transportation vehicles.
25. BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
26. BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
27. BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
27.1. BASE STATION(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
means the structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables wireless communications licensed or authorized by the FCC, between user equipment and a communications network. The term does not encompass a Tower as defined in this chapter or any equipment associated with a Tower.
The term includes, but is not limited to, equipment associated with wireless communications services such as private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul.
The term includes, but is not limited to, radio transceivers, Antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and backup power supplies, and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration (including Distributed Antenna Systems and Small-Cell Networks).
The term includes any structure other than a Tower that, at the time an eligible facilities modification application is filed with the City under the Zoning laws of the City, Chapter 412, and/or Chapter 427, supports or houses equipment described in paragraphs (i)—(ii) immediately-above, and that has been reviewed and approved under the applicable zoning or siting process, or under another State, County or local regulatory review process, even if the structure was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing such support.
The term does not include any structure that, at the time a completed eligible facilities modification application is filed with the City under this section, does not support or house equipment described in paragraphs (i)—(ii) immediately above.
28. BASE ZONING DISTRICT
means the underlying zoning district.
29. BASEMENT
means a portion of a building partly below ground and having more than one-half (½) of its height above the level of the adjoining ground.
30. BASIC INDUSTRY
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
31. BED AND BREAKFAST
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
32. BED AND BREAKFAST (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
33. BED AND BREAKFAST (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
33.1. BIRD SAFE GLAZING
shall mean glazing treatments or visual makers that minimize the impact of bird collisions that has been treated to a maximum threat factor of 30 in accordance with the American Bird Conservancy Bird Collision Threat Factor Rating, or with a relevant ASTM standard. These may include fritting, netting, frosted glass, exterior screens or physical grids placed on the exterior of glazing that are visible to birds.
34.1. BUFFERS, GREEN1. 2.
Green Buffers shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet and may not include parking. There are two types of Green Buffers.
A Green Buffer designed for pedestrian access and use. This type of Green Buffer shall provide at least one pedestrian connection through the site. It shall be at the same level as abutting public sidewalks, shall provide a clear path or area for movement to avoid foot or wheel traffic damaging vegetation and soil, and shall be accessible to persons with disabilities throughout the entire area. This portion of the site shall be open to the public during daylight hours and shall include signage indicating such. This type of Green Buffer may count toward the Urban Open Space requirement.
Green Buffer designed for ecological benefit. This type of Green Buffer shall be designed to provide native habitat function and may include green infrastructure for stormwater management. Plantings must be native species that are appropriate for the urban environment, especially tree and plant species that have the largest impact to reduce air pollutants. Each application for this type of Green Buffer shall include a statement from a registered landscape architect or other qualified professional regarding plant species selected for durability, survivability, and potential mitigation on air pollution. An operations and maintenance plan shall be provided for all stormwater management features. This type of buffer is not required to be open to the public and may include an open fence of high-quality material meeting the standards of Section 918.03.B.1.(b), not more than 6 feet tall, that allows easy and free access of non-human animals.
35. BUILDING
means a structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, for the housing or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels.
36. BUILD-TO LINE
see Section 925.05
37. BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
means the building on a lot in which the primary use of the lot is conducted.
39. CARPORT
means a roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor vehicles and enclosed on not more than three (3) sides.
40. CELLAR
means a portion of a building having one-half (½) or more of its height below the average level of the adjoining ground.
42. CHILD CARE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
43. CHILD CARE (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
44. CHILD CARE (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
45. CITY COUNCIL
means the City Council of the City of Pittsburgh.
45.1. CO-LOCATING and COLLOCATION
mean to locate wireless communications equipment from more than one (1) provider on a single site and/or the mounting or installation of one or more Wireless Communications Facilities as defined herein, including but not limited to, Transmission Equipment and/or Antenna, on an existing Tower, utility pole, light pole, and/or any Eligible Support Structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communications purposes.
46. COMMUNICATION TOWER
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
47. COMMUNICATION TOWER, CLASS A
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
48. COMMUNICATION TOWER, CLASS B
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
49. COMMUNICATION TOWER, CLASS C
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
49.1. COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
means any device used to collect or radiate electromagnetic waves, including directional antennae, microwave dishes and satellite dishes, and omni-directional antennae, including but not limited to, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
49.2. COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (or COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES)(i) (ii) (iii)
shall mean any accessory building, structure, equipment cabinet, Base Station, Transmission Equipment or any other equipment installed in connection with Towers and/or Antennas for the direct or indirect purpose of providing low power radio communications service and shall be:
Constructed so as to conform with all aspects of the Pittsburgh Code, including but not limited to, requirements regarding height, setback, lighting, landscaping, screening, construction materials, etc., and
Fully automated and unattended on a daily basis and shall be visited only for periodic maintenance, and
Accessed by means of a public street or easement to a public street. The easement shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet in width and shall be improved to a width of at least twelve (12) feet with a dust-free, all-weather surface for the entire length; the access shall be landscaped to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator.
50. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
means any motor vehicle licensed by the state as a commercial vehicle.
51. COMMUNITY CENTER
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
52. COMMUNITY CENTER (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
53. COMMUNITY CENTER (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
53.1. CONCEAL or CONCEALMENT
means Eligible Support Structures, Towers, Antennas, Stations, Communications Facilities and transmission Facilities designed to look like some feature other than a Wireless Tower or Base Station, including but not limited to Alternative Antenna Support Structures as defined herein at Chapter 926 (5.1).
53.2. CONSERVATION
means controlled, limited development; protection of basic conditions, qualities or attributes based on natural features, physiographic constraints, or legal covenants.
54. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
55. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
56. CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
56.1. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PLAN
means a plan that identifies the scope and details of a construction operation, including but not limited to transportation routing, street closures and obstructions, debris/dumpster maintenance, work crew parking, site maintenance, etc. A Construction Management Plan shall include measures that will be taken during construction operations to mitigate environmental impacts such as construction noise, traffic, parking, air and light, to the maximum extent feasible. Mitigating measures include but are not limited to sound barriers, temporary sidewalks and sidewalk protection, dust and debris management, and construction safety plans. A Construction Management Plan shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator, Director of Public Works and the Director of Permits, Licenses and Inspections.
57. CONTEXTUAL SETBACK
means an imaginary line that may be established at any point between the (zoning district) required front setback and the front setback that exists on a lot that is adjacent and oriented to the same street as the subject lot. See also Section 925.06.
58. CONTEXTUAL HEIGHT
means an imaginary line that may be established at any point between the maximum building height of the zoning district and the building height that exists on a lot that is adjacent to and oriented to the same street as the subject lot. See also Section 925.07.D.
59. CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
60. CULTURAL SERVICE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
61. CULTURAL SERVICE (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
62. CULTURAL SERVICE (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
63. DECISION-MAKER or DECISION-MAKING BODY
means the entity (City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Zoning Administrator, Planning Director or department head) that is authorized to finally approve or deny an application or permit required under this development code. See also Chapter 923.
65. DEPARTMENT
means the Department of City Planning of the City of Pittsburgh.
65.1. DESIGN REVIEW
means the review of a project for potential impact on the public realm related to the design of buildings, landscaping, and overall site, in accordance with the zoning district requirements and/or development approval process outlined in the Zoning Code. Design review includes consideration of the project's siting, massing, proportions, scale, facade treatment and materials in relationship to the surrounding architectural and neighborhood context.
66. DESIGN STANDARDS
means a set of guidelines defining parameters to be followed in a site and/or building design and development.
67. DEVELOPMENTa. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j.
means the performance of any building, excavation, or mining operation, the making of any substantial change in the use or appearance of any structures or land, or the creation or termination of rights of access or riparian rights. The following activities or uses shall be taken for the purpose of this Code to involve development as defined in this Code unless expressly excluded by ordinance:
A change in type of use of a structure or land;
A reconstruction, alteration of the size, or substantial change in the external appearance of a structure or land;
A substantial increase in the intensity of use of land, such as an increase in the number of businesses, manufacturing establishments, offices or dwelling units;
Commencement of mining or excavation on a parcel of land;
Demolition of a structure or removal of substantial living trees;
Deposition of refuse, solid or liquid waste or fill on a parcel of land;
In connection with the use of land, substantial disturbance of existing vegetation, tree cover, site contours, or watercourses including, but not limited to, disturbance for roads, parking areas and structures;
Alteration of shore, bank or floodplain of a river, stream, or artificial body of water;
Re-establishment of a use which has been abandoned;
Departure from the use for which development permission has been granted, or failure to comply with the conditions of an ordinance or order granting the development permission under which the development was commenced or is continued.
Development means any activity for which a permit or other approval is required to be obtained from the Zoning Administrator. |
68. DEVELOPMENT ENVELOPE
means the projected maximum bulk of building on a development site based on the capacity of the site and on urban design considerations of the surrounding context.
69.A. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
means a set of guidelines or defining parameters to be followed in site and/or building development.
69.B. DISABLED
means "handicapped" as defined according to the Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988, 42 U.S.C.S. SubSection 3602(h), and any amendments thereto.
69.C. DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS (DAS)
means a network of spatially separated Antenna sites connected to a common source that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure.
72. DWELLING UNIT
means a building or portion thereof designed and used for residential occupancy by a single family and that includes exclusive sleeping, cooking, eating and sanitation facilities. Buildings with more than one (1) set of cooking facilities are considered to contain multiple dwelling units unless the additional cooking facilities are clearly accessory, such as an outdoor grill.
73. EDUCATIONAL CLASSROOM
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
74. ENLARGE or ENLARGEMENT(a) (b) (c)
means to increase, or an increase in:
The size, height, gross floor area or capacity of an existing structure;
The area of land for an existing use;
The intensity of use of land or structure such as the addition of dwelling unit, suites, bedrooms or sleeping rooms, parking stalls, or floor area used or intended to be used for service to the people as customers, clients, patrons, patients or tenants.
74.1. EV READYa. b. c.
shall mean parking spaces that are built with necessary electrical wires, conduit, and dedicated electric panel space at the time of construction. This would allow charging stations to be added cost effectively at a future time or as part of the original construction of the parking. Specifically, it shall mean a parking space that is provided with dedicated branch circuit that meets the following requirements:
Wiring capable of supporting a 40-amp, 208/240-volt circuit,
Terminates at a junction box or receptacle located within 3 feet (914 mm) of the parking space, and
The electrical panel directory shall designate the branch circuit as "For electric vehicle charging" and the junction box or receptacle shall be labelled "For electric vehicle charging".
74.2. EV CAPABLEa. b. c.
shall mean parking spaces that are built with conduit serving the space to allow for future wiring and installation of charging stations. This does not require that the electric panel has dedicated space for these future charging connections, although this may be cost effective. Specifically, it shall mean a parking space that is provided with conduit that meets the following requirements:
The conduit shall be continuous between a junction box or receptacle located within 3 feet (914 mm) of the parking space and an electrical panel serving the area of the parking space with sufficient dedicated physical space for a dual-pole, 40-amp breaker.
The conduit shall be sized and rated to accommodate a 40-amp, 208/240-volt branch circuit and have a minimum nominal trade size of 1 inch.
The electrical junction box and the electrical panel directory entry for the dedicated space in the electrical panel shall have labels stating "For future electric vehicle charging."
75. EXCAVATION/GRADING/FILL, MAJOR
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
75.1. FACADE
means the exterior elevation of a structure or building as viewed from a single vantagepoint and determined by the Zoning Administrator.
75.2. FACILITY (or FACILITIES)
means Monopole, Non-Tower Wireless Communications Facility (Non-Tower WCF), Small Cell Facility, Small Cell Network, Tower-Based Wireless Communications Facility (Tower-Based WCF), and/or Wireless Communications Facility (WCF), and/or any accessory building, structure, equipment cabinet or equipment installed in connection with Communication Towers and/or Antennas for the primary purpose of providing low power radio communication service.
76. FAMILY(a) (b) (c)
means:
An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by blood or marriage or adoption, living together in a dwelling unit; or
A group of not more than three (3) persons who need not be related by blood or marriage or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit, and shared common facilities as considered reasonably appropriate for a family related by blood, marriage or adoption; in either case exclusive of usual servants; or
A group of not more than eight (8) unrelated disabled people living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit and sharing common facilities as considered reasonably appropriate for a family related by blood, marriage or adoption. If appropriate, one (1) staff person may reside on the premises and will not be included in the total number of occupants. Any additional staff shall be included in the total number of occupants. A Family may not be a Multi-Suite Residential facility as defined in Section 911.02 or an Assisted Living facility as defined in Section 911.02.
77. FIREARM BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT
See Use Table, Section 911.02.
78. FLOOR AREA, GROSS
means the sum total horizontal area of all floors of a building, measured from the exterior face of exterior walls or from the center line of walls separating two (2) abutting buildings, including;
(a) | Basements; |
(b) | Elevator shafts and stairwells at each floor; |
(c) | Floor space used for mechanical equipment; |
(d) | Penthouses; |
(e) | Half stories, and |
(f) | Interior balconies and mezzanines. |
But not including: | |
(a) | Cellars; |
(b) | Accessory tanks or cooling towers; |
(c) | Uncovered steps; |
(d) | Terraces, breezeways, open porches and exterior balconies; and |
(e) | Parking structures and garages, except where parking is the primary use. |
79. FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
see Section 925.04.
79.1. FORESTRY ACTIVITIES
means the management, cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of timber from a site of one quarter (¼) acre (ten thousand eight hundred ninety (10,890) square feet; approximately one hundred four and thirty-five hundredths (104.35) feet by one hundred four and thirty-five hundredths (104.35) feet) or more, or a linear extent in any direction exceeding two hundred (200) feet. Does not include the production or processing of lumber or similar activities whether grown on site or off site.
80. FRATERNITY/SORORITY
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
81. FREIGHT TERMINAL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
82. FUNERAL HOME
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
83. GARAGE
means a structure or any portion thereof designed for the parking of one (1) or more automobiles, not including vehicle repair, exhibition or showrooms, or storage of cars for sale.
83.1. GOATS, MINIATURE
means those goats commonly known as Pygmy, Dwarf, or Miniature goats.
84. GOLF COURSE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
85. GRADE, AVERAGE FINISHED
means the average between the highest and lowest elevation of the ground abutting the street walls of a structure, existing, or as shown on the construction plans. See also Section 925.07.
86. GROUND LEVEL
means any horizontal area of a property which is at or below the average of the highest and lowest elevations of the adjoining sidewalk area, or not more than twenty (20) feet above the average elevation; convenient for public access, and connected to the sidewalk by adequate stairs or ramps where necessary to assure such convenient public access.
87. GROUP RESIDENTIAL
means the use of a site for occupancy by groups of people not defined as a family, on a weekly or longer basis. Typical uses include fraternity or sorority houses, dormitories, residence halls, boarding/lodging houses, convents and monasteries.
88. GROCERY STORE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
89. GROUP RESIDENTIAL (GENERAL)
means a group residential use with a capacity of twelve (12) or more persons.
90. GROUP RESIDENTIAL (LIMITED)
means a group residential use with a capacity up to eleven (11) persons.
90.1. HAUL ROAD
means a road designed for use by trucks to transport harvested timber from the log landing to its destination.
91. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
92. HEIGHT, BUILDING
means the vertical distance between Average Finished Grade along the wall facing the front street yard and:
93. HEIGHT, STRUCTURE (OTHER THAN BUILDING)
means the vertical distance measured from Average Finished Grade to the highest point of the structure.
94. HELICOPTER GENERAL PRIVATE USE LANDING AREA
means a heliport, helipad or helistop that is restricted in use to the owner or operator of the facility or to persons authorized by the owner or operator per licensing requirements of the Commonwealth.
95. HELICOPTER LANDING AREA
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
96. HELICOPTER MEDICAL PRIVATE USE LANDING AREA
means a private use heliport, helipad or helistop which provides helicopter landing area for the transport of persons in need of emergency medical care; the transport of patients needing specialized treatment; or the emergency transport of organs, blood, medicine or medical equipment.
97. HELICOPTER PUBLIC USE LANDING AREA
means a heliport, helipad or helistop that has been designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation and the owner of such facility for use by the general public whether operated by a public agency or private individual, firm or corporation.
101.
Reserved.
102. HISTORIC DISTRICT
means a district or zone designated by a local authority or state or federal government within which buildings, structures, appurtenances, and places are of basic and vital importance because of their association with history; or because of their unique architectural style and scale, including color, proportion, form, and architectural detail; or because of their being a part of or related to a square, park, or area the design or general arrangement of which should be preserved and/or developed according to a fixed plan based on cultural, historical, or architectural motives or purposes.
103. HISTORIC BUILDING
means any building that is historically or architecturally significant.
104. HISTORIC STRUCTURE
means a building or structure that has been designated by a local authority.
105. HOME OCCUPATION
see Section 912.02.
107. HOTEL/MOTEL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
108. HOTEL/MOTEL (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
109. HOTEL/MOTEL (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
110. IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
means any surface, including surfaces of structures, that prevents absorption of stormwater into the ground. Impervious surfaces shall include, but not be limited to: roofs; additional indoor living spaces, patios, garages, storage sheds and similar structures; and any streets or sidewalks. Decks, parking areas, and driveway areas are counted as impervious areas if they prevent infiltration. Gravel is considered impervious unless compaction or infiltration tests are provided in accordance with requirements of the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual.
111. INCINERATOR, SOLID WASTE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
112. INSTITUTION
means a group of buildings or structures that are under common or related ownership, that are located in a contiguous area, not withstanding rights-of-ways; that contain two (2) or more different uses as integral parts of the functions of the organization, such that different structures contain different primary uses; and that contain a combined minimum of one hundred thousand (100,000) total square feet of gross floor area.
113. INTENSITY OF USE
means the number of dwelling units per acre for residential development and the floor area ratio (FAR) for nonresidential development, such as commercial, office, and industrial.
114. LABORATORY/RESEARCH SERVICES
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
115. LABORATORY/RESEARCH SERVICES (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
116. LABORATORY/RESEARCH SERVICES (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
117. LAUNDRY SERVICE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
119. LIBRARY (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
120. LIBRARY (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
121. LODGING ROOM
means a room rented as sleeping or living quarters, without cooking facilities and with or without an individual bathroom.
121.1. LOG LANDING
means the area at the end of a skid road where harvested timber is stored or prepared for transport from the site.
122. LOT AREA
means the total area of a lot lying within the lot lines, not including any portion of a street or way.
123. LOT, CORNER
means a lot abutting two (2) or more streets at their intersection.
124. LOT DEPTH
means the horizontal distance between front and rear lot lines measured at the mid-point between the two (2) side lot lines.
125. LOT, INTERIOR
means a lot other than a corner lot.
127. LOT, RECORDED
means a lot designated on a plat of subdivision duly recorded pursuant to statute, in the Recorders' Office for the recording of deeds, plans, etc., of Allegheny County. A recorded lot may or may not coincide with a zoning lot or an accredited zoning lot.
129. LOT
means land occupied or intended to be occupied by no more than one (1) main structure, or unit group of buildings, and accessory buildings, together with such setbacks and lot area as are required by this Code, and having at least one (1) frontage upon a street.
132. LOT, THROUGH
means a lot, other than a corner lot, having frontage on two (2) parallel or approximately parallel streets.
134. LOT, ZONING
means a parcel of land that is designated by its owner at the time of applying for a building permit as one (1) lot, all of which is to be used, developed or built upon as a unit under single ownership. Such lot may consist of:
135.
Reserved.
136. MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
137. MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
138. MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
139. MARINA
means a facility for the storage (wet and dry), launching and mooring of boats together with accessory retail and service uses including restaurants and liveaboards.
140. MAJOR TRAFFIC THOROUGHFARE
means a main traffic artery designated on the zoning district map as a major traffic thoroughfare.
141. MAJOR TRANSIT FACILITY
means a platform or waiting area adjacent to a public mass transit system which utilizes an exclusive right-of-way.
142. MASSAGE
means any process consisting of kneading, rubbing or otherwise manipulating the skin of the body of a human being either with the hand or by means of electrical instruments or apparatus or other special apparatus, but shall not include massages by duly licensed physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, registered nurses and practical nurses operating under a physician's directions, registered speech pathologists and physical or occupational therapists who treat only patients recommended by a licensed physician and who operate only under such physician's direction; nor shall this definition include any massage of the face or neck practiced by beauticians, cosmetologists and barbers duly licensed.
142.1. MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
means a document in support of a proposal for development, submitted to the Planning Commission, in order to demonstrate that a superior development is intended. The Master Development Plan shall contain all that information required by the Zoning Administrator to support the application.
143. MAXIMUM EXTENT FEASIBLE
means the point at which all possible measures have been undertaken by the applicant, and which point further measures would involve physical or economic hardships that would render a development project infeasible or would be unreasonable in the judgment of the Planning Director.
144. MEDICAL OFFICE/CLINIC
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
145. MEDICAL OFFICE/CLINIC (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
146. MEDICAL OFFICE/CLINIC (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
147. MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
means the development of a tract of land, building, or structure with a variety of complementary and integrated uses, such as, but no limited to, residential, office, manufacturing, retail, public, or entertainment, in a compact urban form.
148.
Reserved.
148.1. MONOPOLE
means a Wireless Communications Facility or site which consists of a single pole structure, designed and erected on the ground or on top of a structure, to support communications Antennae and connecting appurtenances, which consists of a single freestanding pole designed to support communication Antennae arrays. The structure is anchored to a single concrete and steel foundation (caisson) embedded into the soil.
149. MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
150. NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
means a building, structure or sign, or portion thereof, lawfully existing at the time these regulations became effective, or as amended, which does not comply with the setback, height, lot size or other site development standards applicable in the zoning district in which the building or structure is located.
151. NONCONFORMING SIGN
means a sign, lawfully existing at the time these regulations became effective, or as amended, which does not completely conform to the sign regulations applicable in the zoning district in which it is located.
152. NONCONFORMING USE
means the use of any land, building or structure, other than a sign, which does not comply with the use regulations of the zoning district in which such use is located, but which complied with the use regulations in effect at the time the use was established.
153. NONCONFORMITY
means a nonconforming use or noncomplying structure or other situation that does not comply with currently applicable regulations, but which complied with zoning regulations in effect at the time it was established.
153.1. NON-TOWER WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (NON-TOWER WCF)
means all non-tower wireless communications facilities, including but not limited to, Antennae and related equipment. Non-Tower WCF shall not include support structures for Antennae and related equipment.
155. NURSERY, RETAIL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
156. NURSERY, RETAIL (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
157. NURSERY, RETAIL (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
159. OFFICE (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
160. OFFICE (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
161. OPEN SPACE
means that portion of a lot which is not occupied by buildings, parking areas, driveways, streets or loading areas.
162. OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT
means a zoning district that encompasses one (1) or more underlying zoning districts and that imposes additional requirements or provisions above that required by the underlying zoning district.
163. OWNER
means the property owner of record, according to the Recorders' Office of Allegheny County.
164. PARKING AREA
means an open space other than a street or way, used for the parking of only automobiles.
165. PARKING AREA, SHARED
means the joint use of a parking area for more than one (1) use.
166. PARKING, COMMERCIAL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
167. PARKING, COMMERCIAL (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
168. PARKING, COMMERCIAL (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
169. PARKING, OFF-SITE
means parking provided for a specific use but located on a site other than the one (1) which the specific use is located.
170. PARKS AND RECREATION
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
171. PARKS AND RECREATION (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
172. PARKS AND RECREATION (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
173. PARTY WALL
means a wall which divides two (2) adjoining properties usually, but not necessarily, having half its thickness on each property and in which each of the owners of the adjoining properties has rights of enjoyment.
174. PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENT
means any permanent structure that becomes part of, placed upon, or is affixed to real estate.
175. PLAN, GRADING
means a site plan or drawing that portrays an intended physical change in the land surface of a lot or tract of land.
176. PLAN, IMPROVEMENT SUBDIVISION SITE
means a drawing that represents the official site plan of an improvement subdivision, as further defined and referred to in the Planning Commission's Improvement Subdivision Regulations, pursuant to the Act of May 13, 1927 (P.L. 1011), as amended. (53 P.L. Section 22761 et seq.)
177. PLAN, PLOT
means a drawing used in connection with an application for Certificate of Occupancy for the purposes of identifying the intended use or occupancy of a particular lot, and to facilitate administrative review for zoning compliance. The drawing shall show the location of the property boundary, structures, streets and other important features.
178. PLAN, SITE
means drawings which indicate details of existing and/or intended developments of a particular lot or tract of land in relationship to its surroundings, including details of land use, topography, landscaping and structures.
179. PLAN, SUBDIVISION
means a drawing for recording the division of land for improvement or sale, prepared in accord with the Planning Commission's Subdivision Regulations, pursuant to the Act of May 13, 1927 (P.L. 1011), as amended. (53 P.S. Section 22761 et seq.)
180. PLANNING COMMISSION
means the City Planning Commission (CPC) of the City of Pittsburgh.
181. PLANNING DIRECTOR
means the Director of the Department of City Planning of the City of Pittsburgh.
183. POST OFFICE
means a facility owned and maintained by the Postal Service of the United States of America for the purpose of distributing mail to the public.
183.1. PRESERVATION
means maintenance in an existing or natural state in order to prevent environmental degradation of a functional or visual nature.
184. PRIMARY USE
means the principal or predominant use of any lot or parcel.
184.1. PRIMARY STREET
means the street having the most immediate relationship to existing commercial or residential uses and which affords the principal means of access to abutting property.
185. PRIMARY STRUCTURE
means a structure in which is conducted the primary use of the lot on which it is located.
185.1. PUBLIC DESTINATION FACILITIES
means a structure providing as its primary use one (1) of the following: community center, hospital, cultural services (limited and general), public assembly (general) recreation and entertainment facilities (general, indoor and outdoor) and gaming enterprises.
186. PUBLIC REALM
means that outdoor area which is experienced by the public in general, including public rights-of-way or public spaces and the private and public portions of buildings which enclose them. The Public Realm includes, but is not limited to, areas such as public streets and the yards and facades of the buildings which front the street, the rivers and adjacent riverfront property, and hillsides which are visible from public spaces and places.
186.1. PUBLIC WAY(S)
means the surface, the air above the surface, and the area below the surface within any public right-of-way and any street, highway, lane, path, alley, sidewalk, boulevard, drive, bridge, tunnel, park, parkway, lane, square, viaduct, waterway or other public right-of-way including public utility easements or rights-of-way in which the City has jurisdiction; and any other public ground or water within belonging to the City.
186.2. RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) PROPAGATION MAP
means a multicolored map depicting a visual representation of the proposed coverage area and signal strength within the proposed coverage area, regularly used by radio frequency engineers when designing a communications network.
187. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, INDOOR
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
188. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, INDOOR (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
189. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, INDOOR (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
190. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, OUTDOOR
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
191. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, OUTDOOR (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
192. RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT, OUTDOOR (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
193. RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
means material including but not limited to metal, glass, plastic and paper which is intended for reuse, remanufacture or reconstitution for the purpose of using the altered form. Recyclable material shall not include biodegradable wastes, hazardous materials, industrial scrap materials or used clothing, furniture, appliances, vehicles or parts thereof.
194. RECYCLING COLLECTION STATION
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
195. RECYCLING PROCESSING STATION
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
196. RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
197. RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
198. RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
199. RESEARCH SERVICES
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
200. RESIDENTIAL
means a structure or use type that is arranged, designed, used or intended to be used for one (1) or more dwelling units for residential occupancy.
200.1. RESIDUAL STAND
means trees remaining following the cutting operation.
201. RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
202. RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
203. RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
204. RESTAURANT
see Use Table, Section 911.02
205. RESTAURANT (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02
206. RESTAURANT (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02
207. RESTRICTED ACCESS HIGHWAY(a) (b) (c) (1) (2) (3) (i) (ii) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
means a major traffic thoroughfare or part thereof which when open to public use is:
Constructed or maintained pursuant to the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, or any amendment or supplement thereto, as an interstate highway;
A limited access highway under the Pennsylvania Limited Access Highway Act of May 29, 1945 (P. L. 1108), as amended (36 P.S. Section 2391-1 et seq.); or
Designated from time to time as restricted access highway by Council on the basis of being either a:
Primary or urban route on the State highway system; or
Primary route on the Allegheny County highway system approved by the County Planning Commission; or
Primary route on the City highway system approved by the City Planning Commission, and, in addition to meeting one (1) of the above three (3) criteria, having either:
A minimum width of four (4) lanes, or
Fifty-one percent or more of the total affected frontage in one (1) or more of the following categories:
Public park;
Publicly owned or controlled land;
Redevelopment or renewal area wherein advertising signs are prohibited by the redevelopment or renewal proposal approved by City Council;
Land which is so located that the construction of the highway or the regulation thereof prevents private or public vehicular access thereto;
Land within three hundred fifty (350) feet of the center line of any highway or interchange ramps thereof covered by subsections (i) or (ii) hereof.
208. RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
209. RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
210. RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
211. RETAIL SALES AND SERVICES, RESIDENTIAL CONVENIENCE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
211.1. RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE, OUTDOOR (NON-ACCESSORY USE)
See Use Table, Section 911.02.
212. REVIEWER OR REVIEW BODY
means the entity (City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Zoning Administrator, Planning Director, or department head) that is authorized to approve or deny or to recommend approval or denial of an application or permit required under this development code.
213. RIGHT(S)-OF-WAY
means a strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription, or condemnation and intended to be occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary storm sewer, and other similar uses; and/or the surface and space above and below any real property in which the City has an interest in law or equity, including, but not limited to any public street, boulevard, road, highway, freeway, lane, alley, court, sidewalk, parkway, swale, river, tunnel, viaduct, bridge, park, or any other place, area, or real property, other than real property owned in fee by the City.
214. SAFETY SERVICES
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
215. SALVAGE YARD
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
216. SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
217. SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
218. SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
218.1. SECONDARY STREET
means the street that is subordinate to an intersecting or adjacent primary street and which affords only a secondary means of access to abutting property.
219. SERVICE STATION
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
220. SETBACK, FRONT
means a setback that is to extend across the full width of a lot, the required depth of which is measured as the minimum horizontal distance between the street right-of-way line and a line parallel thereto on the lot. See also Section 925.06.
221. SETBACK, INTERIOR SIDE
means a setback that is to extend from the street right-of-way line to the rear lot line along the side of a lot that is adjacent to another lot, the required depth of which is measured as the minimum horizontal distance between the side lot line and a line parallel thereto on the lot. See also Section 925.06.
222. SETBACK
means the distance that is required by this Code to be maintained in an unobstructed state between a structure and the property line of the lot on which the structure is located. Note: The term "setback" refers to a required minimum area, while the term "yard" refers to the actual open area. See also Section 925.06.
223. SETBACK, REAR
means a setback that is to extend across the full width of a lot, the required depth of which is measured as the minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line and a line parallel thereto on the lot. See also Section 925.06.
224. SETBACK, STREET SIDE
means a setback that is to extend from the street right-of-way line to the rear lot line along the side of a lot that is adjacent to a street or street right-of-way line, the required depth of which is measured as the minimum horizontal distance between the side lot line and a line parallel thereto on the lot. See also Section 925.06.
225. SINGLE-UNIT ATTACHED RESIDENTIAL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
226. SINGLE-UNIT DETACHED RESIDENTIAL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
226.2. SKID ROAD
means a road designed for frequent use by skidding equipment. Skid must incorporate water-control structures to address runoff.
226.3. SKID TRAIL
means a trail requiring less construction than a skid road because it is used less frequently by skidding equipment.
227. SLEEPING ROOM
means a fully enclosed portion of a building, designed or intended to be used for sleeping purposes. For purposes of measurement in this Zoning Ordinance, where a sleeping room contains more than two (2) beds, every unit of two (2) beds, or fraction thereof, shall be counted as a separate sleeping room.
227.1. SMALL CELL FACILITY (or SMALL CELL FACILITIES)(i) (ii)
means a personal wireless services facility that meets both of the following qualifications:
Each Antenna is located inside an antenna enclosure of no more than three cubic feet in volume or, in the case of an Antenna that has exposed elements, the Antenna and all of its exposed elements could fit within an imaginary enclosure of no more than three cubic feet; and
Primary equipment enclosures are no larger than seventeen cubic feet in volume. The following associated equipment may be located outside the primary equipment enclosure and if so located, are not included in the calculation of equipment volume: electric meter, concealment, telecommunications demarcation box, ground-based enclosures, battery back-up power systems, grounding equipment, power transfer switch, and cut-off switch.
227.2. SMALL CELL NETWORK
means a collection of interrelated Small Cell Facilities designed to deliver personal wireless services.
227.3. STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
means camouflaging and Concealment methods applied to Wireless Communications Towers, Antennae and other Facilities which render them more visually appealing or blend the proposed Facility into the existing structure or visual backdrop in such a manner as to render it minimally visible to the casual observer. Such methods include, but are not limited to, architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted to match the existing structure and Facilities constructed to resemble trees, shrubs, and light poles.
228. SOURCE(a) (b) (c) (d)
means any place, building, facility, equipment, installation, operation, activity, or other thing or any combination thereof:
At, from, or by reason of which there may be emitted into the outdoor atmosphere any air containment;
Which belong to the same industrial group;
Which is located on one (1) or more contiguous or adjacent properties; and
Which is owned, operated, or allowed to be operated by the same person or by persons under common control or which is jointly owned, operated, or allowed to be operated by two (2) or more person,
but not including motor vehicles or those emissions resulting from an external combustion engine for transportation purposes or from a nonroad engine or nonroad vehicle as defined in Section 216 of the Clean Air Act. |
229. SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS
mean:
231. STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (SIC)
means the classification by type of activities in which engaged; for purposes of facilitating the collection, tabulation, presentation, and analysis of data relating to establishments; and for promoting uniformity and comparability in the presentation of statistical data collected by various agencies of the United States Government, State agencies, trade associations, and private research organizations.
232. STORY
means that portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above it, or if there is no floor above it then the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it; not including cellar or basement.
233. STORY, HALF
means a story under a gable or hip or gambrel roof the wall plates of which, on at least two (2) opposite exterior walls, are not more than two (2) feet above the floor of such story.
234. STREET
means a strip of land at least twenty-five (25) feet wide that provides access to public property, or in a plan of land subdivision approved by the Planning Commission, the boundary lines of which include roadway or sidewalk area.
235. STRUCTURE
means anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires, directly or indirectly, a permanent location on the land.
236.1. TENANT
means a business or organization occupying building space with a registered mailing address for that space.
236.2. TERTIARY STREET
means the street whose functions are normally associated with service, delivery, and waste collection and which is not intended for general traffic circulation.
237. THREE-UNIT RESIDENTIAL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
237.1. TOWER
means Communications Tower(s), including but not limited to, any structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one (1) or more antennas, including self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers, or monopole towers. The term includes radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, DAS hub facilities and the like.
237.2. TOWER, ABANDONED
means any tower not in service. A tower not in service may be characterized as not having any antennas (panel type and whip type), or any other device that looks like an antenna, on the tower.
237.3. TOWER, GUYED
means any tower using wire guys connecting above grade portions of a tower diagonally with the ground to provide support for tower and/or antennae.
237.4. TOWER HEIGHT
means measured from the base on which the tower is mounted to the top of the tower or other structure, even if the highest point is an antenna or lightning rod, whichever is greater.
237.5. TOWER, LATTICE (SELF-SUPPORT)
means structure which generally has three (3) or four (4) legs consisting of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal cross strips or bars that is designed to support communication antenna arrays. The structure legs are anchored to concrete and steel foundations (caissons) embedded into the soil.
237.6. TOWER, MOBILE
means any tower capable of being transported in, or by, a motor vehicle. A mobile tower parked for more than twenty-four (24) hours will be classified as a temporary tower.
237.7. TOWER, MONOPOLE
means a Wireless Communications Facility or site which consists of a single pole structure, designed and erected on the ground or on top of a structure, to support communications Antennae and connecting appurtenances, which consists of a single freestanding pole designed to support communication Antennae arrays. The structure is anchored to a single concrete and steel foundation (caisson) embedded into the soil.
237.8. TOWER, TEMPORARY
means towers standing for sixty (60) consecutive days or less. Need for Tower must be established. Need must be based on public safety and/or a public emergency.
237.9. TOWER-BASED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (TOWER-BASED WCF)
means a Tower and its supporting Antennae, including, but not limited to, self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers and monopoles. DAS hub facilities are considered to be Tower-Based WCFs
237.10. TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT
means equipment that facilitates transmission for any wireless communication service licensed or authorized by the FCC, including, but not limited to, radio transceivers, Antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, and regular and backup power supply. The term includes equipment associated with wireless communications services including, but not limited to, private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul.
238. TRANSIT FACILITY
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
238.1. TRANSPARENT
means a window or clear surface unobstructed by signage, interior graphic elements, reflective coating, translucent or textured finish, racking or any type of fixed furniture that can be seen through from both the interior and exterior of a structure.
239. TWO-UNIT RESIDENTIAL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
240. UNDERLYING ZONING DISTRICT
means the base zoning district.
241. UNIT GROUP DEVELOPMENT
means two (2) or more related primary buildings or uses on one (1) zoning lot.
241.1. USABLE AND URBAN OPEN SPACE
means that portion of a lot, which is not occupied by buildings, parking areas, driveways, streets or loading areas.
242. USE
means the purpose for which land or a building is arranged, designed or intended, or for which either land or a building is or may be occupied or maintained.
243. UTILITY (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
244. UTILITY (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
245. VARIANCE
means a modification of the literal provisions of this Zoning Code which the Zoning Board of Adjustment is permitted to grant when strict enforcement of such provisions would cause unnecessary hardship owing to circumstances unique to the individual property on which the variance is sought.
246. VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT REPAIR (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
247. VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT REPAIR (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
248. VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT SALES
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
249. VEHICLE/ EQUIPMENT SALES (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
250. VEHICLE/ EQUIPMENT SALES (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
251.
Reserved.
252.
Reserved.
253. VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
254. VOCATIONAL SCHOOL (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
255. VOCATIONAL SCHOOL (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
257. WAREHOUSE (GENERAL)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
258. WAREHOUSE (LIMITED)
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
259. WAREHOUSE, RESIDENTIAL STORAGE
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
260. WAY
means a strip of land less than twenty-five (25) feet wide that provides access to public property or in a plan of land subdivision approved by the Planning Commission, the boundary lines of which include roadway and/or sidewalk area.
261. WELDING OR METAL SHOP
see Use Table, Section 911.02.
261.05. WHOLE-BUILDING LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT
shall mean an assessment of the embodied carbon impact of a whole building. This includes the impact of all materials used in the project, or a subset of the project, like structure and/or envelope, throughout the life cycle of the building. Life-Cycle Assessment shall comply with ISO 14044.
261.1. WIRELESS
means transmissions through the airwaves including, but not limited to, infrared line of sight, cellular, PCS, microwave, satellite, or radio signals.
261.2. WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (WCF)
means the Antennae, nodes, control boxes, Towers, poles, conduits, ducts, pedestals, electronics and other equipment used for the purpose of transmitting, receiving, distributing, providing, or accommodating wireless communications services.
262. YARD
means the actual unobstructed open space that exists or that is proposed between a structure and the lot lines of the lot on which the structure is located. See "Setback."
262.1. ZERO CARBON
shall mean not using fossil fuel, greenhouse-gas-emitting energy to operate and are instead 100% powered by on-site and/or off-site renewable energy.
263. ZONING BOARD
means the Zoning Board of Adjustment.