ADU Rules in Pittsburgh, PA (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Pittsburgh, PA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Whether ADUs are allowed in Pittsburgh, PA has not been confirmed — see the official source before proceeding.
Whether Pittsburgh, PA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) has not been confirmed from an official source. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. Contact the local building department through their official website to verify current ADU rules before proceeding, as regulations may have changed since this data was last reviewed.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Pittsburgh: Detached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | See official source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | See official source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Pittsburgh: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200–$800 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $800–$3,000 |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Pittsburgh ADU Permit Timeline: Permit timeline has not been confirmed — contact the department for current processing times. Apply through the local building department online permit portal. Contact them through their official website for current contact information.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Pittsburgh: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: no minimum. Rear setback: no minimum.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements have not been confirmed — see official source.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must be located in rear or side yard — not forward of primary structure
- Lot must meet minimum size for the applicable zone
- Only one accessory dwelling unit per lot
- Cannot be separately conveyed from primary lot
- Must maintain lot coverage limits
- ADU must have independent access
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Pittsburgh: Single-family lots: not confirmed — see official source. Multifamily properties: not confirmed — see official source.
- Single-Family Lots
- 1
- Multifamily Properties
- Additional units in R2 through R6 and RM zones per development standards
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for Pennsylvania.
View Pennsylvania preemption detailsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Pittsburgh, PA allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1.
How big can an ADU be in Pittsburgh?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Pittsburgh is 800 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Pittsburgh?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh DCP building permit: typically 4-8 weeks. Pittsburgh Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) handles building permits. Construction 3-9 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $1,500–$5,000 total permit fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh parking rules for ADUs: No additional parking required for ADU in most Pittsburgh residential zones. Pittsburgh's urban density and transit access support parking-free ADU policy.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Pittsburgh?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Pittsburgh: No owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units in Pittsburgh. Investment properties can have ADUs.
Source: Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances Title 9, Article 1 — Zoning; PLI Permit Division. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source