Building & Development Application
The Building And Development Application (BDA) is a new application type that replaces the current Zoning Development Review Application and Building Permit Application. If you're planning a construction project, this will typically be your initial step.
The intent of the Building And Development Application is that it will require no expertise in the construction process. The application uses simplified prompts that ask only for information relevant to your project. However, this page will provide some key pieces of information.
A Building And Development Application is typically requires for the following scopes:
- Renovation or repair of an existing building or structure
- Constructing an addition to an existing building or structure
- Building a new structure
- Obtaining zoning approval for structures that don't require a permit
Please see work not requiring a permit for work that can be performed without a PLI permit. Although the Building And Development Application will inform you if you do not require a permit for your work.
Please visit our Contacts page for the Construction Inspector's contact information.
Building any deck requires a Building and Development Application, submitted via the OneStopPGH portal or in-person at the counter at 412 Blvd. of the Allies.
An uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is no more than 30" (762 mm) above grade will require a site plan, stamped by a PA-licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor at submission, but will generally not require construction drawings.
An uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is more 30" (762 mm) above grade, but is 8 feet or less from finish grade to deck surface, will require the following documents at submission:
Any decks that are covered or over 8 feet from finish grade to finished deck surface will require the following documents at submission:
- a stamped site plan as described above
- construction drawings prepared and stamped by a PA-licensed architect or engineer
The American Wood Council's "Design for Code Acceptance #6 - Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide" is a valuable resource that can be used to show code compliance for residential wooden decks. This guide includes tables for sizing all structural elements including footings. The sizing for wood members are based on exposure to exterior conditions and weather treatment of certain wood species, both of which reduce structural capacity.
Note: This guide requires a minimum post size of 6 x 6.
A residential occupancy-only permit is required for the following work on a residential building or structure (single-family or two-family dwelling):
- To certify a new use and/or occupancy for an existing building or structure.
- Approve temporary use and/or occupancy of an existing building or structure.
Please see Permit Home for the definition of residential structures and work types. Please see Work Not Requiring A Permit for work that can be performed without a PLI permit. Please visit our Contacts page for the Construction Inspector's contact information.
Residential Work Scopes
Permanent Use Scopes
Permanent use work scopes are applicable to uses with a duration that exceeds 180 days. The applicant shall identify one of the following work scopes:
- New Use: proposed change in the use and/or occupancy of a house. Includes buildings and/or tenant spaces without a valid certificate of occupancy.
- Modify Existing CO - Change of Lessee: proposed modification to an existing certificate of occupancy to change the lessee. The applicant shall provide a copy of the referenced certificate of occupancy and describe the intended use of the building and/or tenant space.
- Modify Existing CO - Correction: proposed modification to an existing certificate of occupancy to correct inaccurate and/or incorrect information. The applicant shall provide a copy of the referenced certificate of occupancy and describe the intended use of the building and/or tenant space.
Temporary Use Scopes
Temporary Use work scopes are applicable to uses with a duration that is 180 days or less. The applicant shall identify one of the following work scopes:
- Partial/Phased Occupancy: proposed occupancy of a house prior to completion of construction.
Occupant Load Placards are applied for and issued through the Building & Development Application (BDA) in the OneStopPGH portal.
New placard applications will require the submission of construction drawings, while Replacement Placards require the submission of construction drawings to if PLI has no record of approving the occupant load.
Work Types
- New Placard: applies to a placard application associated with a new assembly use and/or space or an increased occupant load for an existing assembly use and/or space.
- Replacement Placard: applies to a placard application associated with an existing assembly use and/or space that has not been modified that needs a copy of the placard.
Other Agency Coordination
Every BDA will be reviewed by each of the relevant departments. This includes PLI, DCP, and DOMI. The departments will determine what is required for your project and will inform you of any additional required permits. Please see Other Agency Coordination for more information on processes related to other agencies that may relate to your permit scope. There is no need to apply for a Zoning Development Review application. The reviews associated with the ZDR are now incorporated into the BDA to remove the need for you to apply twice for the same scope. If a DOMI permit is required for the BDA scope, a DOMI reviewer will create a sub-permit for you and inform you of the requirement.
last updated: 10/06/2026