Pittsburgh Zoning Map - Neighborhoods

By Carolyn Ristau

Introduction

Pittsburgh’s interactive zoning map includes many layers besides the zoning districts, most of which relate to requirements within or adjacent to the zoning code. For an overview on how to use the interactive zoning map, see our introductory post.

To select different layers, click the stack of paper in the upper right corner. The layers available are listed below. Today’s post features the Neighborhoods layer, pictured above and in bold text below.

1. Zoning

   • Zoning Districts

   • Zoning Districts Outlines

   • Zoning Max. Height Overlay

   • Height Reduction Zone Overlay

   • 1500’ Major Transit Buffer

   • Parking Reduction Areas

   • North Side Commercial Parking Prohibited Area

   • Baum Centre Zoning Overlay

   • Inclusionary Housing Overlay District

2. RCO (Registered Community Organization) Areas

3. City Divisions

   • DPW Divisions

   • Neighborhoods

   • Council Districts 2012

   • Council Districts 2022 (Current)

   • Wards

4. Historic Preservation

   • Mexican War Street Historic Boundary

   • Individual City-Designated Properties

   • Pittsburgh City Historic Districts

5. Environment

   • RIV Riparian Buffer (125 Feet)

   • Stormwater Riparian Buffer

   • Floodplain Areas

   • Landslide Prone

   • Potential Steep Slopes Overlay Area

   • Undermined Areas

6. Addresses

7. Allegheny County

8. City Boundaries

9. Imagery 2021

The Neighborhoods Layer

Overview

This layer of the interactive zoning map shows the 90 official neighborhoods of the City of Pittsburgh. To see which neighborhood covers a specific point or parcel:

• Click on the point in question

• Use the arrows to navigate between the pop-up windows as necessary

Relationship with Zoning

The neighborhoods are not tied to specific zoning code regulations. However, they are sometimes identified on documents produced by the zoning division such as Zoning Board of Adjustment decisions. When a conversation needs to happen with the community about a proposed development and there isn’t a Registered Community Organization, the neighborhood designation on the map can be a starting point in the search for a local group. Many neighborhoods in Pittsburgh have organizations of various sizes that can help disseminate information to the community, but not all of them have become RCOs.

Challenges

This map portrays the City-designated neighborhoods and boundaries, which do not always align with the local communities’ definitions and identities. For example, there is no official neighborhood called “Downtown.” Instead, there is the Central Business District. In another instance, the neighborhood of Park Place is a community-identified neighborhood that does not appear on the City map. In some neighborhoods, such as the Garfield-Bloomfield-Friendship area, the community-identified boundaries differ from those on the map.

Conclusion

The Neighborhoods layer of Pittsburgh’s interactive zoning map shows the City-designated 90 neighborhoods and their boundaries, which may or may not align with the community-identified neighborhoods. However, it can be used as a starting point to find a local community organization.