EZ Permits (Pilot)

The City of Pittsburgh is rolling out ‘EZ Permits’ as a pilot program as part of Mayor O’Connor’s permitting reform initiative.

EZ Permits are a faster, simpler permitting option for common, low-risk projects that do not require plan review. Pick one eligible scope of work, attest that the information is correct, and get your permit. Eligible applications are issued within one business day after the required application and license information is verified.

EZ Permits are available for certain eligible projects and offer a simpler application process. To find out if your project qualifies, check the eligible work list below, or answer a few short questions in the OneStopPGH permitting portal.

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  STANDARD PERMIT EZ PERMIT
Plans/Drawings required Yes No
Typical review time Standard SLAs; 15-30 business days 1 business day
Scopes per application Multiple allowed One scope only
Who reviews it Plan review staff No plan review / Application Technicians verify license holder
Who’s responsible for accuracy Shared with reviewer The applicant, by attestation
Fee Varies by project scope Varies by project scope; No additional fee

Types of projects that qualify for an EZ Permit:

Eligible scopes are different for residential and commercial structures. Pick your structure type to see the scopes that apply to your project.

Please be aware that EZ Permits cover one scope of work only. If your project involves multiple EZ eligible scopes of work, you will need to apply for a standard permit instead. Projects with multiple EZ eligible scopes of work will still bypass completeness check and progress directly to verification.

Residential

EZ Building Permits 

EZ Electrical Permits

EZ Mechanical Permits

Commercial

 

Ineligible projects, regardless of scope of work:

  • Projects located within a floodplain
  • Projects located within a historic district or on historic properties
  • Projects on condemned properties

What if my project doesn’t qualify?

If your project’s scope of work doesn’t qualify for an EZ Permit, the standard permitting process will apply. You will be notified during application submission and before paying fees if your scope of work does not qualify.

Who can apply for an EZ Permit?

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for EZ Permits. An authorized agent may include:

  • Design professional
  • Contractor

How to apply

Step 1.Start your application and select your EZ Permit scope.

EZ Permits must be applied for online through the OneStopPGH portal. If you need help filing your application online, contact a PLI Application Technician.

Log into your OneStopPGH account, select the EZ Permit that matches your scope of work (Building, Electrical or Mechanical), then select your specific EZ scope for your structure type.

An EZ Permit can only cover a single scope of work. If your project involves more than one work scope, you can choose the "Multiple Scopes" option within the EZ Permit application to be redirected to a standard application. If every scope you select is an eligible EZ scope, your application will still bypass completeness check and progress directly to finalization, where you will enter the permit holder information.

  • The application must include:
  • Value of construction
  • Location
  • Complete scope of work

Note: You won't be able to submit the EZ Permit application if your project includes elements that require additional review or otherwise make it ineligible for EZ Permits, regardless of scope. The portal will notify you if your project isn't eligible, but you can still submit a standard application.

Step 2.Select who will perform the work.

If the applicant is not performing the work, the contractor or other required license holder must be identified and confirm their association with the project. For residential projects, work may be performed by:

  • The homeowner, if performing work on their primary residence;
  • A licensed City of Pittsburgh contractor; or
  • A registered Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)

A licensed contractor is always required for commercial work. If the commercial work is under a BDA EZ Permit, a City of Pittsburgh General Contractor's license is required. If the commercial work is under an Electrical or Mechanical EZ Permit, an individual who holds a City of Pittsburgh Trade License (Electrical or HVAC/Mechanical license, respectively) will be required.

With the exception of PA State HIC License holders, all other contractors must:

  • Have an active license
  • Have valid general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage or an affidavit, and a City of Pittsburgh tax compliance letter on file with PLI. General contractors must also provide RRP certification.

Where required, the contractor must be named before the permit can be issued.

Step 3.Read and accept attestations.

Since EZ Permits will not be reviewed, applicants and contractors, where required, must read and attest to the following conditions:

  • The selections and information provided are accurate and complete.
  • Understanding that the City will issue this permit based on the selections and information provided.
  • Understanding that once issued, this permit will only authorize the scope selected.
  • Understanding that if work is installed beyond or outside of the scope authorized by this permit, this action violates City ordinances. The City may issue a stop-work order or revoke (cancel) this permit in response to this violation.
  •  Understanding that if this permit is amended to have multiple scopes, the permit will no longer be an eligible EZ permit and standard permit processes and requirements will apply.

Step 4.Pay fees and submit application.

There is no additional fee for EZ Permits. Fees correspond to the permit type applied for. Please note that fees are non-refundable. Since EZ permit applicants are attesting that the application is accurate to their knowledge and that it is skipping completeness check with the Application Technicians, no fees will be refunded for EZ permit applications. If a mistake on the permit is discovered during the inspection process, you will have to either amend the permit, or it will be revoked and you will have to apply for a new permit, depending on the issue.

Review fee guides here.

Application Technician Verifies Standard Issuance Compliance

PLI Application Technicians will perform a standard issuance review within 1 business day after submission. Application Technicians will only verify the following information.

If the applicant will be performing the work:

If a license holder will be performing the work:

  • Verify PA HIC licenses are active (if selected)
  • Verify City-issued license holders have active licenses, and up-to-date accurate documentation, including:
    • Insured name on General Liability Certificate of Insurance matches listed business name and/or DBA and was issued within the last year
    • Insured name on Worker’s Compensation Certificate of Insurance matches listed business name and/or DBA and was issued within the last year, OR have a complete and notarized Worker’s Compensation Affidavit issued within the last year[JG30] 
    • Tax Compliance letter from the Finance Department matches listed business name and/or DBA and was issued within the last year
    • For General Contractors only: Have an RRP certificate on file that matches the business name and/or DBA

If any of these verifications determine incorrect or expired information, the application will be sent back to the applicant for corrections. Applicants will be notified of missing information or corrections required through OneStopPGH and via email.

Step 5.EZ Permit is issued: Begin work and schedule inspection.

When ready, request an inspection as usual through the OneStopPGH portal. If your project is eligible, you can choose a virtual inspection for a simpler, faster inspection process. Learn more about virtual inspections here.
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Residential Scope of Work EZ Permit Virtual Inspection
Replacement of Windows and/or Doors Yes Yes
Roofing Yes Yes
Siding/Veneer Yes Yes
Removal or Installation of Non-Load Bearing Wall Yes Yes
Replacement of Fixtures/Devices (Electrical) Yes Yes

In some cases, an EZ Permit can be amended. If an amendment is not allowed, the permit will be revoked and a new application will be required. Requests to amend an EZ Permit will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Questions?

If you have questions about EZ Permits, whether your work qualifies, or how to apply, contact PLI’s Application Technicians:

Share Your Feedback

We are actively looking for feedback on this pilot program and want to hear from you! Please share your input through our Permitting Reform Initiative Engage page on EngagePGH.

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