A. 
Purpose. Pittsburgh's overall character is defined to a great degree by its diverse and unique residential areas. The Urban Zoning Code's approach to residential zoning reflects this diversity by allowing very fine-grained adjustments in the range of zoning controls applied within and among neighborhoods. The purpose of these controls is to encourage development and redevelopment while preserving the character of existing residential neighborhoods.
B. 
Overview of Regulations. The residential zoning regulations of this chapter consist of a series of five (5) Use Subdistricts and five (5) Development Subdistricts. This approach results in twenty-five (25) possible residential zoning districts, each of which is regulated by combining a Use Subdistrict with a Development Subdistrict.
[Ord. 25-2001, § 1A, eff. 11-30-2001; Ord. 45-2003, § 1, eff. 12-31-2003]
Use Subdistricts establish regulations governing the land use and structure types allowed within residential zoning districts.
A. 
R1D, Single-Unit Detached Residential.
1. 
Use Regulations.
(a) 
Primary Uses. Primary uses shall be allowed in the R1D Subdistrict in accordance with the Use Table of Section 911.02.
(b) 
Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be allowed in the R1D Subdistrict in accordance with the Accessory Use regulations of Chapter 912.
B. 
R1A, Single-Unit Attached Residential.
1. 
Use Regulations.
(a) 
Primary Uses. Primary uses shall be allowed in the R1A Subdistrict in accordance with the Use Table of Section 911.02.
(b) 
Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be allowed in the R1A Subdistrict in accordance with the Accessory Use regulations of Chapter 912.
C. 
R2, Two-Unit Residential.
1. 
Use Regulations.
(a) 
Primary Uses. Primary uses shall be allowed in the R2 Subdistrict in accordance with the Use Table of Section 911.02.
(b) 
Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be allowed in the R2 Subdistrict in accordance with the Accessory Use regulations of Chapter 912.
D. 
R3, Three-Unit Residential.
1. 
Use Regulations.
(a) 
Primary Uses. Primary uses shall be allowed in the R3 Subdistrict in accordance with the Use Table of Section 911.02.
(b) 
Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be allowed in the R3 Subdistrict in accordance with the Accessory Use regulations of Chapter 912.
E. 
RM, Multi-Unit Residential.
1. 
Use Regulations.
(a) 
Primary Uses. Primary uses shall be allowed in the RM Subdistrict in accordance with the Use Table of Section 911.02.
(b) 
Accessory Uses. Accessory uses shall be allowed in the RM Subdistrict in accordance with the Accessory Use regulations of Chapter 912.
2. 
Site Plan Review.
(a) 
General. The following shall require Site Plan Review and approval in accordance with the Site Plan Review procedures of Section 922.04:
i. 
Any new construction of a multi-unit residence that includes four (4) or more units; or
ii. 
Any enlargement or exterior renovation of an existing building for a multi-unit residence of four (4) or more units.
(b) 
Standards. Any project requiring Site Plan Review in the RM district shall be subject to the Site Plan Review Criteria of Section 922.04.E.
[Ord. 25-2001, §§ 1C—1L, eff. 11-30-2001; Ord. No. 25-2011, § 1, eff. 12-22-2011; Ord. No. 10-2025, eff. 5-7-2025]
Development Subdistricts establish regulations governing site development within residential zoning districts.
A. 
Very Low-Density.
1. 
Map Designation. The zoning map designation for lands classified in the Very Low-Density Subdistrict shall be the letters "VL", which shall follow the Use Subdistrict designation (e.g., R1D-VL)
2. 
Site Development Standards.
Sites in the Very Low-Density Subdistrict shall be developed in accordance with the following site development standards, provided that:
(a) 
New development shall be allowed to use Contextual Setbacks and Contextual Building Heights in accordance with the provisions of Section 925.06 and Section 925.07; and
(b) 
The Environmental Performance Standards of Chapter 915 shall impose additional regulations on site development if such conditions exist.
Article VI and Chapter 925 contain a complete description of site development standards and a listing of exemptions to various standards.
(c) 
When a dwelling unit is "attached" to one (1) or more separate dwelling units on separate lots by a party wall or separate abutting wall the required interior sideyard setback shall be zero on the abutting or party wall side.
Site Development Standard
Very-Low Density Subdistrict
Minimum Lot Size
6,000 s.f.
Minimum Front Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
30 ft.
Minimum Rear Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
30 ft.
Minimum Exterior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
30 ft.
Minimum Interior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
5 ft, on one side; 10 ft. on the other side
R1A Subdistrict
5 ft.
RM Subdistrict
30 ft.
Maximum Height
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
40 ft. (not to exceed 3 stories)
RM Subdistrict
40 ft. (not to exceed 3 stories)
B. 
Low-Density.
1. 
Map Designation. The zoning map designation for lands classified in the Low-Density Subdistrict shall be the letter "L", which shall follow the Use Subdistrict designation (e.g., R1D-L)
2. 
Site Development Standards.
Sites in the Low-Density Subdistrict shall be developed in accordance with the following site development standards, provided that:
(a) 
New development shall be allowed to use Contextual Setbacks and Contextual Building Heights in accordance with the provisions of Section 925.06 and Section 925.07; and
(b) 
The Environmental Performance Standards of Chapter 915 shall impose additional regulations on site development if such conditions exist.
Article VI and Chapter 925 contain a complete description of site development standards and a listing of exemptions to various standards.
(c) 
When a dwelling is "attached" to one (1) or more separate dwelling units on separate lots by a party wall or separate abutting wall the required interior sideyard setback shall be zero on the abutting or party wall side.
Site Development Standard
Low Density Subdistrict
Minimum Lot Size
3,000 s.f.
Minimum Front Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Rear Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Exterior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
30 ft.
Minimum Interior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
5 ft
R1A Subdistrict
5 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Maximum Height
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
40 ft. (not to exceed 3 stories)
RM Subdistrict
40 ft. (not to exceed 3 stories)
C. 
Moderate Density.
1. 
Map Designation. The zoning map designation for lands classified in the Moderate-Density Subdistrict shall be the letter "M", which shall follow the Use Subdistrict designation (e.g., R2-M)
2. 
Site Development Standards.
Sites in the Moderate-Density Subdistrict shall be developed in accordance with the following site development standards, provided that:
(a) 
New development shall be allowed to use Contextual Setbacks and Contextual Building Heights in accordance with the provisions of Section 925.06 and Section 925.07; and
(b) 
The Environmental Performance Standards of Chapter 915 shall impose additional regulations on site development if such conditions exist.
Article VI and Chapter 925 contain a complete description of site development standards and a listing of exemptions to various standards.
(c) 
When a dwelling is "attached" to one (1) or more separate dwelling units on separate lots by a party wall or separate abutting wall the required interior sideyard setback shall be zero on the abutting or party wall side.
Site Development Standard
Moderate Density Subdistrict
Minimum Lot Size
2,400 s.f.
Minimum Front Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Rear Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Exterior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
30 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Interior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
5 ft.
R1A Subdistrict
5 ft.
RM Subdistrict
10 ft.
Maximum Height
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
40 ft. (not to exceed 3 stories)
RM Subdistrict
55 ft. (not to exceed 4 stories)
D. 
High Density.
1. 
Map Designation. The zoning map designation for lands classified in the High-Density Subdistrict shall be the Letter "H" which shall follow the Use Subdistrict designation (e.g., RM-H)
2. 
Site Development Standards.
Sites in the High-Density Subdistrict shall be developed in accordance with the following site development standards, provided that:
(a) 
New development shall be allowed to use Contextual Setbacks and Contextual Building Heights in accordance with the provisions of Section 925.06 and Section 925.07;
(b) 
Residential Compatibility Standards of Chapter 916 shall impose additional height and setback standards on new High-Density and Very High-Density residential and nonresidential development located near residential and H Districts; and
(c) 
The Environmental Performance Standards of Chapter 915 shall impose additional regulations on site development if such conditions exist.
Article VI and Chapter 925 contain a complete description of site development standards and a listing of exemptions to various standards.
(d) 
When a dwelling is "attached" to one (1) or more separate dwelling units on separate lots by a party wall or separate abutting wall the required interior sideyard setback shall be zero on the abutting or party wall side.
Site Development Standard
High Density Subdistrict
Minimum Lot Size
1,200 s.f.
Minimum Front Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
15 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Rear Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
15 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Exterior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
15 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Interior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
5 ft.
R1A Subdistrict
5 ft.
RM Subdistrict
10 ft.
Maximum Height
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
40 ft. (not to exceed 3 stories)
RM Subdistrict
85 ft. (not to exceed 9 stories)
E. 
Very-High Density.
1. 
Map Designation. The zoning map designation for lands classified in the Very-High Density Subdistrict shall be the letters "VH", which shall follow the Use Subdistrict designation (e.g., RM-VH)
2. 
Site Development Standards.
Sites in the Very High-Density Subdistrict shall be developed in accordance with the following site development standards, provided that:
(a) 
New development shall be allowed to use Contextual Setbacks and Contextual Building Heights in accordance with the provisions of Section 925.06 and Section 925.07;
(b) 
Residential Compatibility Standards of Chapter 916 shall impose additional height and setback standards on new High-Density and Very High-Density residential and nonresidential development located near residential and H Districts; and
(c) 
The Environmental Performance Standards of Chapter 915 shall impose additional regulations on site development if such conditions exist.
Article VI and Chapter 925 contain a complete description of site development standards and a listing of exemptions to various standards.
(d) 
When a dwelling is "attached" to one (1) or more separate dwelling units on separate lots by a party wall or separate abutting wall the required interior sideyard setback shall be zero on the abutting or party wall side.
Site Development Standard
Very-High Density Subdistrict
Minimum Front Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
5 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Rear Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
15 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Exterior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
5 ft.
RM Subdistrict
25 ft.
Minimum Interior Sideyard Setback
 
R1D, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
5 ft.
R1A Subdistrict
5 ft.
RM Subdistrict
10 ft.
Maximum Height
 
R1D, R1A, R2 & R3 Subdistricts
40 ft. (not to exceed 3 stories)
RM Subdistrict
180 ft.