Zoning Matters in Pittsburgh
Reasons for Reform: This city’s zoning code was written in 1958, and it was very out-of-date. New residential projects were hindered by the old code. And, conversion of abandoned industrial parcels to new uses was not allowed. Since zoning for the downtown district had been updated recently, this area did not need a rewrite.
Reform Timetable: The zoning code revision was completed in five years. Pittsburgh’s new code took effect on February 1, 1999.
Reform Elements:
- Promote neighborhood revitalization.
- Encourage mixed-use at old industrial sites.
- Increased density permitted at transit nodes to promote transit-oriented development.
Reform Innovation:
An online residential zoning matrix was created which combined density and zoning codes for mapping. Users can test cases to see how the zoning text translates to the zoning map. In addition, Pittsburgh has created a very community-oriented approach to the remappingi phase.
Link: To check out this innovation and learn more about remappingi process go to Map Pittsburgh at http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/cp/html/mapping.html