An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a residential dwelling unit that is accessory or secondary to another primary use. It may be like a smaller apartment within a home, detached from the primary structure in a separate building, or constructed within an existing accessory structure (like a garage or basement).

ADUs provide new housing options that may offer relief to communities where existing residents are concerned about being priced out of their own neighborhoods.

They also help create housing options that are more economically and environmentally sustainable. The smaller building footprint also means fewer materials are used in construction, and less energy is required to heat or cool the house.

In 2018, the city enacted an ADU Overlay District for the single-family zoned portions of the Garfield neighborhood, set to expire after two years.

Since then, other cites have sought to implement policies approving the implementation of ADUs to address low housing stock and affordability.

Read more about ADUs in our subpage, linked here.

The Affordable Housing Bonus Program replaced the proposed City-wide Inclusionary Zoning provisions through an amendment by substitution at Council. The Affordable Housing Bonus Program proposal removes the requirement for affordability but allows residential projects extra density if affordable housing is provided, except in areas in the existing Inclusionary Zoning Overlay (IZ-O).

The Department of City Planning is proposing a version to be Amended by Substitute that utilizes an existing bonus system.

Read more about the Affordable Housing Bonus in our subpage, linked here.

The 1958 Zoning Code implemented off-street parking requirements for the first time. Most of the City was built prior to this requirement. Over the years, zoning code was amended to reduce or remove entirely off-street parking minimums in some geographical parts of the city. Many cities in recent years including Buffalo, Minneapolis, Austin, Raleigh, and others have completely removed minimum off-street parking requirements. The removal of minimum parking requirements has led to the development of more walkable, mixed-use development, lower housing costs, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings. DCP staff analyzed best practices of other cities and examined development trends in Pittsburgh regarding the amount of off-street parking provided. This work was undertaken originally at the request of Councilmember Strassburger and her staff.

Visit our Parking Reform subpage, linked here.

Minimum lot size is the smallest lot area permitted for a development in a residential zoning district. Minimum lot size per unit is the minimum lot area needed for the development of a residential unit and determines the level of density permitted. Minimum lot size requirements have historically been a tool of exclusionary zoning intended to prevent lower-income households from being able to live in certain neighborhoods.

DCP is proposing to remove minimum lot size per unit and reduce the minimum lot size requirements in all residential subdistricts.

Visit our Minimum Lot Size Reform subpage, linked here.