Building permits in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Pittsburgh, 5 need a permit outright and 4 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources- Project types verified
- 10
- in Pittsburgh
City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI)
- OneStopPGH Counter, 412 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Phone: 412-255-2175
- Email: pliapptech@pittsburghpa.gov
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh runs an online permit portal. Many local portals let you check application status, search permit records, and view inspection results without calling the office.
What needs a permit in Pittsburgh
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Pittsburgh, 5 need a permit outright and 4 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | 2026 PLI Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026: "Base Permit Fee (Residential) $6.00 per... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Not specified | 2026 PLI Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026: "Base Permit Fee (Residential) $6.00 per... |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Not specified | A fence reviewed by Zoning only pays the Department of City Planning fee, "Residential... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Not specified | 2026 PLI Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026: "Base Permit Fee (Residential) $6.00 per... |
| Patio Permit | Not confirmed | Not specified | Not published |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Plumbing fees are set by Allegheny County, not by the city. |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated pools accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling that also hold no more than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above grade | 2026 PLI Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026: "Base Permit Fee (Residential) $6.00 per... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Not specified | 2026 PLI Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026: "Base Permit Fee (Residential) $6.00 per... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | floor area of a one-story detached accessory structure accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling | 2026 PLI Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026: "Base Permit Fee (Residential) $6.00 per... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | 2026 PLI Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026: "Base Permit Fee (Residential) $6.00 per... |
Planning a project in Pittsburgh?
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
Planning several things at once? Check your whole project