Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor on Monday announced permitting reforms to make it quicker and easier to build in the city, following through on a campaign promise to slash red tape for new development.
“My goal as mayor is to see growth across Pittsburgh and to have a transparent and efficient city government that works for you,” O’Connor said.
Some changes — like tweaks that reduce requirements for small residential renovations and shortening turnaround times for common permits — will happen quickly.
Others, like a broad overhaul of the zoning code that governs what can be built in various areas throughout the city, will be longer-term projects.
The changes, O’Connor told reporters Monday, are meant to help smaller developments, from a homeowner looking to upgrade their house to a small business owner trying to open a store on a local main street.
Most major developers have teams of lawyers that help them navigate complex permitting processes, but smaller organizations may find the web of applications and approvals more challenging to handle, the mayor said.
O’Connor campaigned on a pledge to grow the city. His first executive order — which he signed on his first full day in office in January — ordered various departments to review ways to speed up and simplify the permitting process. The changes announced Monday are the result of that effort.
The administration’s examination of the existing permitting system showed a lack of clear guidance about requirements, repetitive review cycles and inconsistencies.
Other facets of the permitting overhaul include:
- A pilot program for virtual inspections through the OneStopPGH online portal
- New artificial intelligence technologies that will review applications for missing information before they are submitted
- A “fast lane” service for quicker permit approvals, particularly for common permits and minor work.
The city also will now take the lead in managing community meetings where neighbors can offer feedback on new developments, working alongside the Registered Community Organizations who have hosted such meetings in some parts of the city.
O’Connor said those organizations will still be involved in the process, but city staff will be present to provide information and to “take the burden off” community groups.
From ‘No’ to ‘Yes’
O’Connor on Monday also announced the city will launch an effort to overhaul its zoning code. A citywide master plan currently underway will help drive those changes.
The master plan has been a controversial topic, with council members questioning the $6 million price tag and raising concerns about whether community engagement has been robust enough to ensure everyone is represented.
The mayor on Monday said he wants to see the plan finalized but is looking for private partners to help cover remaining costs.
“For far too long, our zoning, permitting, applications and processes have been a way for the city to say no to a lot of projects,” O’Connor said, adding that delays can drive up costs and denials are keeping developments from being built in neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh. “We have to get to yes, for residents, for small businesses and for economic opportunities.”
Changes to the zoning code will require approval from City Council.
O’Connor said his zoning code overhaul will not include a citywide mandate that developments earmark a portion of housing units as affordable for low-income people, something his predecessor had unsuccessfully tried to implement.