An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a residential dwelling unit that is accessory or secondary to a primary residential dwelling unit. 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.

Other cites have added ADUs to their codes to help address concerns over low housing stock and affordability.

What's Next for ADUs?

The City Planning Commission will be introducing and considering legislation to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) citywide. Lessons learned from the 2018 pilot program are that fewer zoning code restrictions on ADUs are needed and additional support for homeowners would facilitate additional ADUs.

The City will continue to support the development of ADUs after the passage of this legislation, including a website describing the permitting process and customer service at the OneStopPGH Counter at 412 Blvd of the Allies.

What are the benefits?

  • ADUs are a flexible housing form that can lightly increase the housing supply in a neighborhood by providing small, economical dwelling units that can be utilized for community members to age in place or provide homeowners the ability to earn rental income through construction of a secondary unit.
  • ADUs also diversify the housing stock and give households the ability to live in a more affordable units in a variety of neighborhoods. Families or close-knit communities can stay close together while still maintaining their own space.

Summary and Rationale of Substantive Changes to Proposed Zoning Legislation Since Initial Release

  • Removed exemption to minimum lot size per unit requirement, as those are proposed to be removed for all residential sub-districts.
  • Amended maximum height for story above garage and accessory dwelling unit height to 30 feet from 35 feet to maintain the two-story limit on these structures.
  • Clarified legislation to create a maximum number of accessory dwelling units to two (2) ADUs per zoning lot.
  • Clarified legislation regarding the permitted number of accessory dwelling units for Religious Assembly and Community Center uses.

Accessory Dwelling Units: Share your thoughts!

Thank you for taking the time to offer your feedback on this suite of proposed amendments to the zoning code. The EngagePGH public comment period for these amendments has closed. If you are still interested in giving feedback, please consider providing testimony at the December 10th Planning Commission hearing at 2 PM. (Please note the hearing starts at 2 PM, but there are other items on the agenda.) You can view instructions on how to provide testimony at this link: https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Business-Development/Planning/Commissions-and-Boards/Planning-Commission. If the Planning Commission approves these amendments, this EngagePGH will re-open for additional comments before City Council reviews them in early 2025.
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