Site Plan for Permit in Pittsburgh, PA | Residential Plans

Example of a detailed residential plot plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, dimensions, access, and other important site features.

Planning a home addition, deck, porch, detached garage, shed, swimming pool, fence, parking pad, driveway, or another residential project in Pittsburgh?

Your permit application may require a residential plot plan showing exactly where the proposed work will be located. A clear drawing helps City reviewers understand the relationship between the project, property lines, the existing house, neighboring buildings, streets, alleys, driveways, parking areas, easements, trees, and required setbacks.

Pittsburgh defines a site plan, plot plan, or survey as a scaled drawing of the entire property showing property lines, existing and proposed structures, and proposed exterior work. The City generally requires one when a structure or exterior use—such as a fence, shed, parking area, addition, or new house—is added to a property.^[1]

What Is a Residential Plot Plan?

A residential plot plan is a scaled overhead drawing showing the arrangement of buildings, structures, access areas, and other improvements within a property.

A plot plan is different from a floor plan. A floor plan shows rooms, walls, doors, stairs, and interior spaces. A plot plan focuses on the exterior property and helps answer questions such as:

• Where will the proposed project be placed?
• What are its outside dimensions?
• How far will it be from each property line?
• How close will it be to the house or neighboring structures?
• Will it affect an easement, alley, driveway, sidewalk, or public right-of-way?
• Will new parking or a curb cut be created?
• Does the project appear to comply with the applicable zoning requirements?

A plot plan is normally only one part of the permit package. Depending on the project, Pittsburgh may also require floor plans, elevations, structural drawings, foundation details, deck framing plans, grading information, stormwater documents, geotechnical reports, or professionally sealed plans.

Pittsburgh’s Professional Stamp Requirement

Pittsburgh has a stricter site-plan policy than many other cities.

The City’s current Site Plan Requirements guide states that projects requiring a site plan generally must use a professionally stamped plan completed by a Pennsylvania-licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor.^[1]

The listed exceptions include:

• Fences
• Residential HVAC units and generators
• Minor agricultural structures
• Wall signs

An applicant may draw the site plan for one of these listed exceptions when the property-line locations are known. If there is conflicting information about a property line, Pittsburgh may require a surveyor’s stamp even for an otherwise exempt project.

The City also states that an existing stamped survey showing current conditions may be reused when the proposed work is drawn accurately and to scale on a copy.^[1]

Residential Projects That May Need a Plot Plan

A plot plan is commonly needed when a project changes the exterior footprint, site layout, parking, access, or use of a residential property.

What a Pittsburgh Plot Plan Should Show

The exact requirements depend on the property, zoning district, and project. Pittsburgh’s published site-plan standards provide a useful checklist for preparing the drawing.

1. Property Owner and Project Information

Identify the property owner, full project address, parcel information when available, and the date the plan was prepared.

The City’s site-plan review checklist specifically asks for the property owner’s name and the date of preparation.^[2]

2. Property Lines and Lot Dimensions

Show the location and dimensions of all existing and proposed property lines. These boundaries provide the framework used to position structures and calculate setbacks.

Pittsburgh warns that fences and public sidewalks are not necessarily installed on the property line and should not be used by themselves to determine the legal boundary.^[1]

Online parcel mapping and satellite imagery can help with preliminary research, but the City states that Allegheny County maps and online satellite screenshots are not accurate enough to satisfy its stamped site-plan requirements.

3. North Arrow and Drawing Scale

Include a north arrow and draw the plan using a standard architect’s or engineer’s scale.

Pittsburgh’s site-plan guide states that most residential lots can fit on an 8½-by-11-inch sheet and that Zoning does not accept paper plans larger than 11 by 17 inches.^[1]

4. Existing Buildings and Structures

Show all existing structures that affect the project, including:

• The principal house
• Garages and carports
• Sheds and workshops
• Decks and porches
• Stairs and landings
• Pools and pool decks
• Fences and retaining walls

The location, dimensions, and height of structures may be needed so reviewers can evaluate setbacks, separation distances, lot coverage, access, and neighborhood conditions.^[2]

5. Proposed Construction

Clearly identify the proposed project and show its length, width, height when applicable, and exact placement.

Existing and proposed improvements should be easy to distinguish through:

• Clear labels
• Different line styles
• Shading or hatching
• A drawing legend
• Notes identifying demolition or removal

Avoid placing an unlabeled shape on the plan. Reviewers should immediately understand what is being built and how large it will be.

6. Setback Measurements

Show the distance from the proposed project to the front, rear, and side property lines. Include distances between structures when relevant.

Pittsburgh is divided into multiple zoning districts with different requirements for land use, yards, lot area, parking, and structure placement. The applicable setbacks depend on the property’s zoning, lot configuration, project type, and any previously approved zoning relief.^[3]

7. Streets, Alleys, and Ways

Label the name and width of each adjoining street, alley, or public way. Show sidewalks, curbs, driveway aprons, and other access features when they relate to the project.

Alleys are especially important for rear garages, parking pads, sheds, fences, and properties where construction access comes from behind the house.

8. Driveways, Parking, and Vehicle Access

Show all existing and proposed driveways, parking spaces, parking pads, garages, curb cuts, and vehicle maneuvering areas.

Include dimensions and identify how the parking area connects to a street or alley. New parking is one of the project types Pittsburgh specifically identifies as commonly requiring a site plan.^[4]

9. Utilities and Easements

Show the location and dimensions of known utility, access, sewer, drainage, or other easements.

Easement information may be found on an existing survey, subdivision plan, deed, title report, utility record, or other recorded property document.

A project can meet its zoning setback and still be affected by a utility or access easement.

10. Landscaping, Screening, and Street Trees

Show landscaping, screening, and street trees when they affect the proposed work or are requested during review.

Trees can influence the placement of driveways, curb cuts, retaining walls, additions, utilities, and construction-access routes.

Pittsburgh’s site-plan review checklist lists landscaping, screening, and street trees among the minimum site-plan information.^[2]

11. Existing and Proposed Grades

Pittsburgh’s hills and sloping residential lots can make grade information especially important.

A project involving excavation, fill, a retaining wall, hillside construction, or substantial drainage changes may require elevations, contours, a grading plan, geotechnical information, or stormwater documentation.

The City identifies grading plans, geotechnical reports, and stormwater-management plans as documents that may be requested depending on the location and scope of a project.^[2]

12. Neighboring Structures

Showing nearby buildings can be helpful on narrow or densely developed Pittsburgh lots.

Neighboring homes, garages, sheds, retaining walls, and fences may affect construction access, separation, fire-safety review, drainage, and the practicality of the proposed layout.

Check Pittsburgh Zoning Before Finalizing the Plan

Pittsburgh’s Zoning and Development Review Division is the first stop for most construction and development projects in the city.^[3]

Zoning can affect:

• Front, rear, and side-yard setbacks
• Maximum building height
• Lot area and lot coverage
• Accessory-structure placement
• Parking-space and driveway locations
• Curb cuts and vehicle access
• Permitted property uses
• Historic, environmental, and design reviews

The City provides an interactive zoning map that can be searched by address or parcel. It can help identify the zoning district, parcel information, historic designations, and other map layers.^[11]

Online maps are useful research tools, but they do not replace a licensed survey or a final zoning determination from City staff.

Pittsburgh Home Addition Plot Plans

A home addition changes the footprint of the principal building and normally requires zoning and building review.

A useful addition plot plan should show:

• The existing house footprint
• The proposed addition footprint
• The addition’s length, width, and height
• Distances to all relevant property lines
• Nearby buildings and accessory structures
• Decks, porches, stairs, and retaining walls
• Driveways, parking, streets, and alleys
• Known easements and utilities
• Existing and proposed grade information when relevant

Because additions generally require a professionally stamped site plan, the final plan should be prepared or certified by a Pennsylvania-licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor.

Architectural and structural drawings are separate from the plot plan. The plot plan shows where the addition sits on the property, while construction drawings explain how the addition will be built.

Pittsburgh Deck and Porch Plot Plans

Pittsburgh separates low uncovered decks from larger or elevated deck projects.

An uncovered deck with a floor no more than 30 inches above grade does not require a building permit, but it still requires zoning approval. Other decks require building and occupancy permits.^[5]

A deck or porch plot plan should identify:

• The deck or porch footprint
• Outside dimensions
• The height above grade
• Distances to property lines
• The existing house
• Stairs and landings
• Nearby garages, sheds, fences, and walls
• Street or alley access

Separate construction drawings may be needed to show footings, posts, beams, joists, stairs, guards, handrails, and connections.

Pittsburgh allows certain single-story wood decks no more than eight feet high to use the City’s accepted prescriptive design path. Other decks may require construction drawings prepared and sealed by a Pennsylvania-licensed architect or engineer.^[5]

Pittsburgh Shed, Garage, and Accessory-Structure Plans

Detached sheds, garages, workshops, greenhouses, and similar accessory structures must comply with the property’s zoning and setback requirements.

A one-story detached storage shed, playhouse, or similar accessory structure of no more than 200 square feet may be exempt from the Building and Development Application when it serves a one- or two-family dwelling. The work must still comply with the Pittsburgh Zoning Code.^[4]

Larger sheds and detached garages generally require permit review.

A useful accessory-structure plot plan should show:

• The proposed footprint and dimensions
• The structure height
• The existing house
• Other structures on the lot
• Distances to the rear and side property lines
• The driveway, parking area, or alley access
• Known utilities and easements
• Retaining walls, slopes, and grade changes

Pittsburgh publishes an accessory-structure setback guide to help applicants understand the types of front, side, and rear setbacks that may affect pools, sheds, garages, and similar improvements.^[12]

Pittsburgh Pool and Spa Plot Plans

A pool permit package may need a plot plan, pool information, barrier details, and electrical documents.

Pittsburgh’s residential pool form states that the site plan should identify the location and type of pool barriers in relation to the pool and property lines.^[6]

A useful pool site plan should show:

• The pool or spa footprint
• The pool dimensions and depth
• Distances to property lines
• The house and accessory structures
• The pool deck or surrounding paving
• Pumps, filters, and equipment
• Fences, barriers, and gates
• Utilities, easements, and overhead lines when known
• Slopes, retaining walls, and drainage conditions

Custom-built pools and certain deeper in-ground pools may require construction drawings prepared by a Pennsylvania-licensed architect or engineer.

A small prefabricated above-ground pool may be exempt when it is less than 24 inches deep, holds no more than 5,000 gallons, and is installed entirely above grade. Other zoning, electrical, safety, or property-specific requirements may still apply.^[4]

Pittsburgh Parking-Pad and Driveway Plans

A private driveway and a parking pad are not always treated the same way.

Pittsburgh states that certain driveways terminating in a garage may be exempt from the Building and Development Application. However, storing a vehicle outside a garage or carport on a private parking pad is regulated and requires a Building and Development Application.^[4]

A parking or driveway plot plan should show:

• The proposed driveway or parking-pad dimensions
• The property lines
• The house and garage
• Vehicle maneuvering space
• The street or alley connection
• The sidewalk, curb, and driveway apron
• Retaining walls and slopes
• Street trees and utility features
• The portion of work inside the public right-of-way

New parking, driveway access, or a curb cut can involve both City Planning and the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

Pittsburgh Curb-Cut Site Plans

A new curb cut must first proceed through the City’s zoning review process. The applicant applies through OneStopPGH and waits until City staff confirms that the curb-cut permit application can move forward.^[7]

Pittsburgh requires the curb-cut permit application to include:

• An 11-by-17-inch site plan submitted as a PDF
• Current photographs of the sidewalk, curb, and roadway
• A right-of-way improvement plan when applicable
• Supporting documentation for any requested design exception

The City states that screenshots and photographs taken from online mapping services are not accepted as the required existing-condition photographs.^[7]

All permitted curb-cut work within the public right-of-way is subject to inspection by the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

Pittsburgh Fence Plot Plans

Fences six feet high or lower generally require zoning review but not PLI building-plan review.^[4]

Fences are also one of the limited project types for which an applicant-drawn plan may be accepted when the property boundaries are known.

A fence plot plan should identify:

• The complete proposed fence route
• All relevant property lines
• Fence height and material
• Pedestrian and driveway gates
• The house and other structures
• Driveways, parking areas, streets, and alleys
• Sidewalks and public right-of-way areas
• Retaining walls and grade changes

Do not assume that an existing fence identifies the legal property line. Pittsburgh specifically warns that fences may not have been installed on the boundary.^[1]

Hillsides, Grading, and Retaining Walls

Pittsburgh’s steep terrain can make a seemingly simple residential project more complicated.

An addition, driveway, parking pad, garage, pool, deck, or retaining wall may involve:

• Excavation or fill
• Changes to existing drainage
• New or modified retaining walls
• Construction on steep or unstable slopes
• Vehicle access across a sloping yard
• Stormwater flow toward neighboring property

Depending on the site, reviewers may request a grading plan, geotechnical report, stormwater-management plan, construction-management plan, or other supporting documents.^[2]

A standard drafting-based plot plan does not replace professional grading, geotechnical, or stormwater engineering.

Retaining walls no more than four feet high may be exempt from the Building and Development Application when they do not support an additional surcharge or impound regulated liquids. Taller or structurally loaded walls can require additional review.^[4]

Historic Properties and Additional Review

Exterior work on a property within a City-designated historic district requires Historic Review Commission approval.

Applicants submit historic-review documents through OneStopPGH as part of the City’s development-review process. Approved work receives a Certificate of Appropriateness.^[10]

Historic review can affect:

• Home additions
• Decks and porches
• Garages and accessory structures
• Fences and exterior site work
• Demolition and new construction
• Exterior materials and visible alterations

Some minor work may qualify for administrative review. Larger additions, demolition, and new construction may require a Historic Review Commission meeting.

Check the property’s historic status before completing the final design. Discovering a historic designation after the drawings are finished can lead to significant revisions.

Drafting Plan, Stamped Site Plan, and Boundary Survey

A drafting-based plot plan can help visualize the project and provide organized information for the homeowner, contractor, architect, engineer, or surveyor. It does not certify a boundary or satisfy Pittsburgh’s professional-stamp requirement when that requirement applies.

A licensed boundary survey may be required when:

• The property lines or corners cannot be identified reliably.
• The proposed project is close to a boundary.
• Different property records provide conflicting information.
• A boundary dispute exists.
• An easement may affect the proposed work.
• Field-verified elevations or topography are required.
• The City or another reviewing professional requests a survey.

Pittsburgh Zoning staff makes the final determination regarding whether a professional survey or stamped drawing is required for the application.^[1]

How Pittsburgh’s Permit Process Works

Pittsburgh uses the Building and Development Application to combine zoning and building-permit review into a single application process for many projects.

Applicants can use OneStopPGH to apply, upload documents, pay fees, manage applications, and obtain development, right-of-way, and fire-code permits.^[8]

OneStopPGH identifies the required documents based on the permit type, structure type, work type, and project scope. Applications and revisions may be submitted electronically through the portal or in hard-copy form through the OneStopPGH counter.^[9]

Common Plot Plan Mistakes That Can Delay Review

Submitting an Unstamped Plan When a Stamp Is Required

This is one of the most important Pittsburgh-specific issues. Most projects requiring a site plan need a professionally stamped plan.

Property Lines Are Missing or Unclear

Reviewers cannot evaluate setbacks properly when the property boundaries are incomplete or undimensioned.

Existing Fences Are Treated as Legal Boundaries

A fence may have been installed inside or outside the actual boundary. Do not rely on it as the sole evidence of the property line.

The Proposed Work Has No Dimensions

Show the length, width, height, and location of the addition, deck, shed, garage, pool, parking pad, or other project.

Existing and Proposed Work Look Identical

Use labels, shading, line types, or a legend so the proposed construction is immediately recognizable.

Parking and Vehicle Access Are Incomplete

Show the parking area, driveway, curb cut, alley, maneuvering space, sidewalk, and public right-of-way.

Slope and Drainage Conditions Are Ignored

A project on a hillside may require more than a basic plot plan. Grade, retaining-wall, stormwater, or geotechnical information may be necessary.

Online Parcel Lines Are Treated as Surveyed Boundaries

County GIS maps and satellite images are useful for early planning but do not satisfy Pittsburgh’s professionally stamped site-plan requirements.

Historic Review Is Discovered Too Late

Check historic-district and landmark status before completing the final project design.

What to Send When Ordering a Pittsburgh Plot Plan

Providing complete information at the beginning helps the drafting process move faster.

Helpful documents and details include:

• The full Pittsburgh property address
• The Allegheny County parcel number, if available
• A description of the proposed project
• The proposed length, width, and height
• The preferred project placement
• An existing stamped survey or site plan
• A subdivision plan or recorded plat
• Architectural or contractor drawings
• A marked-up sketch showing the proposed location
• Measurements from the project to property lines
• Photographs of the construction area
• Permit-review comments or correction notices
• Known information about easements, utilities, slopes, retaining walls, drainage, parking, or alleys

An existing stamped survey showing current conditions is especially useful because Pittsburgh may allow the proposed work to be drawn to scale on a copy.

Residential Plot Plan Drafting for Pittsburgh Projects

USA Site Plans prepares clear drafting-based residential plot plans for homeowners, contractors, builders, permit expediters, property managers, architects, engineers, and surveyors.

Depending on the available information and selected service, the drawing can show:

• Property boundaries and recorded lot dimensions
• The existing house and accessory structures
• The proposed project footprint
• Front, rear, and side setback measurements
• Neighboring structures relevant to the project
• Streets, sidewalks, alleys, and access areas
• Driveways, parking pads, garages, and curb cuts
• Known easements and utility features
• Fences, walls, pools, decks, and paving
• Available slope, grade, and retaining-wall information
• A north arrow, scale, dimensions, labels, and legend

Because Pittsburgh generally requires professionally stamped site plans, the completed drafting plan should not be represented as a stamped permit document. Where required, it should be reviewed, prepared, or certified by the appropriate Pennsylvania-licensed professional before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Every Pittsburgh Residential Project Require a Plot Plan?

No. Interior work and certain minor exterior projects may not require one. A plot plan is commonly required when a structure, parking area, addition, fence, shed, pool, HVAC unit, or other exterior improvement is added.

Does Pittsburgh Require a Professionally Stamped Site Plan?

In most cases, yes. Pittsburgh generally requires site plans to be stamped by a Pennsylvania-licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor. Listed exceptions include fences, residential HVAC units or generators, minor agricultural structures, and wall signs.

Can I Use an Existing Survey?

Pittsburgh states that an existing stamped survey showing current conditions may be used when the proposed project is drawn accurately and to scale on a copy.

Can I Use an Allegheny County Parcel Map?

Parcel maps can help with preliminary research, but Pittsburgh states that County real-estate maps and online satellite screenshots are not accurate enough to satisfy its stamped site-plan requirements.

Does a Small Shed Need a Permit?

A one-story detached storage shed or similar structure of no more than 200 square feet may be exempt from the Building and Development Application when it serves a one- or two-family dwelling. It must still comply with zoning requirements.

Does a Low Deck Need a Building Permit?

An uncovered deck no more than 30 inches above grade generally does not require a building permit, but it still requires zoning approval.

Does a Parking Pad Require Approval?

Yes. Pittsburgh regulates vehicle storage on a private parking pad and requires the Building and Development Application process.

Does a New Curb Cut Require a Separate Permit?

Yes. The proposal must first proceed through zoning review. After City authorization, the applicant submits a curb-cut permit application with an 11-by-17-inch site plan and current photographs.

Are USA Site Plans Drawings Professionally Stamped?

No. Standard USA Site Plans drawings are not stamped by a Pennsylvania-licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor and do not certify legal property boundaries.

Does Ordering a Plot Plan Guarantee Approval?

No. The City of Pittsburgh and other reviewing authorities make the final permitting and zoning decisions. Additional professional stamps, surveys, structural plans, grading documents, revisions, hearings, or agency approvals may be required.

Official Pittsburgh Sources

1. 
   City of Pittsburgh — Site Plan Requirements
   
2. 
   City of Pittsburgh — Site Plan Review Requirements
   
3. 
   City of Pittsburgh — Zoning and Development Review
   
4. 
   City of Pittsburgh — Work Not Requiring a Permit and Zoning-Only Work
   
5. 
   City of Pittsburgh — Residential Deck Information
   
6. 
   City of Pittsburgh — Residential Pool Form and Plan Requirements
   
7. 
   City of Pittsburgh — Curb-Cut Permit Requirements
   
8. 
   City of Pittsburgh — OneStopPGH Online Services
   
9. 
   City of Pittsburgh — Permit Process and Application Requirements
   
10. 
    City of Pittsburgh — Historic Review and Certificate of Appropriateness
    
11. 
    City of Pittsburgh — Interactive Maps and GIS Tools
    
12. 
    City of Pittsburgh — Planning Process Guides and Accessory-Structure Resources
    

Permit forms, zoning standards, professional-stamp requirements, fees, drawing requirements, and submission procedures can change. Confirm the current requirements with the City of Pittsburgh and the licensed professionals responsible for the project before submitting an application.