City Building Permits

Pittsburgh, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Pennsylvania Allegheny County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

PLI administers building and development permits citywide in Pittsburgh under the Pennsylvania UCC through OneStopPGH.

Department
City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI)
Address
OneStopPGH counter, 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; City-County Building mailing address, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone
412-255-2175
Website
https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Business-Development/Permits-Licenses-and-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open OneStopPGH

Platform: OneStopPGH • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Identify permit type and application requirements in the PLI permit pages and OneStopPGH reference materials.
  2. Create a OneStopPGH account and prepare application materials, including plans, contractor/license details, and any agency coordination items.
  3. Submit the application in OneStopPGH or at the OneStopPGH counter.
  4. Respond to review comments, zoning or agency coordination requests, and pay the assessed fees.
  5. After issuance, post the permit, request required inspections, and obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy where applicable.

Typical processing time: Not posted as a single citywide turnaround; inspection requests must be submitted at least 5 business days before the requested date.

Source: City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI)

General Requirements

PLI requires permits for development, right-of-way, fire code, and construction work configured by permit type, structure type, work type, and work scope.

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Plans or drawings as required
  • Contractor and trade license information
  • Certificates of insurance where applicable
  • Zoning or other agency approvals
  • Stamped design documents required by scope
Permit validity
Permit renewal fee is posted; if a permit lapses, renewal is required. Failure to keep license information current can result in permit revocation.
Building code
Pennsylvania UCC as administered by PLI with local amendments; 2021 ICC code cycle with Pennsylvania amendments for current enforcement.
Owner-builder
Owners may apply directly, but contractor and trade licensing requirements still apply where licensed work is being performed.
Contractor requirements
City trade and business licenses apply for covered contractors, and state home improvement registration applies for qualifying residential work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Residential: $130; Commercial: $605 for most classes and $350 for special cases
Plan check fee
Multiple plan review fee $150 per additional review after three failed reviews; zoning re-review fee $200
Permit fee formula
Residential: $6 per $1,000 of construction value; Commercial: $7 per $1,000, plus zoning review, technology, record retention, state, and other applicable surcharges
Reinspection fee
$75
Penalty (no permit)
Work without permit is charged at triple normal fees
Payment note
OneStopPGH accepts credit card, check, and money order at the counter; cash is not accepted there; third-party payment providers may charge processing fees.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Inspection requests must be submitted at least 5 business days before the requested date.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Scope-dependent building, trade, and final inspections, with passed inspections from required outside agencies submitted at rough, underfloor, wall-cover, and final stages when applicable.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Pittsburgh, PA?
PLI requires permits for development, right-of-way, fire code, and construction work configured by permit type, structure type, work type, and work scope.
How much does a building permit cost in Pittsburgh, PA?
The minimum permit fee is Residential: $130; Commercial: $605 for most classes and $350 for special cases. Fees are calculated as: Residential: $6 per $1,000 of construction value; Commercial: $7 per $1,000, plus zoning review, technology, record retention, state, and other applicable surcharges. Plan check fee: Multiple plan review fee $150 per additional review after three failed reviews; zoning re-review fee $200.
How do I apply for a building permit in Pittsburgh, PA?
1. Identify permit type and application requirements in the PLI permit pages and OneStopPGH reference materials. 2. Create a OneStopPGH account and prepare application materials, including plans, contractor/license details, and any agency coordination items. 3. Submit the application in OneStopPGH or at the OneStopPGH counter. 4. Respond to review comments, zoning or agency coordination requests, and pay the assessed fees. 5. After issuance, post the permit, request required inspections, and obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy where applicable.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Pittsburgh, PA?
Typical processing time is Not posted as a single citywide turnaround; inspection requests must be submitted at least 5 business days before the requested date..
What work is exempt from building permits in Pittsburgh, PA?
The following work is generally exempt: Work that is not within a PLI, DOMI, fire code, or planning permit category shown in OneStopPGH; Minor ordinary repairs only to the extent allowed by the Pennsylvania UCC and the permit-specific PLI guidance. Note: Pittsburgh publishes permit-specific requirements rather than a single citywide exemption list. Confirm with PLI if your work is exempt.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Pittsburgh, PA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: OneStopPGH portal, 412-255-2175. Inspection requests must be submitted at least 5 business days before the requested date..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Pittsburgh can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Allegheny County

Mckeesport Bethel Park Mount Lebanon Penn Hills Plum Borough Monroeville Wilkinsburg Ross
View all Allegheny County jurisdictions →