Pittsburgh launches bold zoning reforms to tackle housing crisis

Pittsburgh officials have announced a significant package of zoning changes aimed at addressing the city's growing housing crisis. During a recent government meeting, city leaders, including Mayor Gainey and Councilwoman Gross, highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to these reforms, which are designed to increase the availability of affordable housing across the city.

One of the key changes involves the reduction and elimination of minimum lot size requirements in multiunit residential districts. This adjustment will allow developers to construct more housing units on existing properties, addressing the current limitations that prevent the rebuilding of older apartment buildings at their original capacity. For instance, under the new regulations, a property that previously housed four units could be rebuilt with the same number, rather than being restricted to just two.

The proposed zoning amendments are expected to generate approximately 8,800 new apartments throughout Pittsburgh, with a notable concentration of 2,100 units in Squirrel Hill. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make housing more accessible and affordable, particularly for low-income residents who are increasingly burdened by housing costs. According to the city's housing needs assessment, nearly 9,000 affordable units are needed for the lowest-income residents, with many renters spending over half their income on housing.

Community advocates, including Dave Bridal from the Pittsburgh Housing Justice Table, emphasized the urgency of these changes, citing the disproportionate impact of housing unaffordability on Black residents and the alarming trend of displacement in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville. The meeting underscored a collective commitment to ensuring that all Pittsburgh residents have access to safe and affordable housing, with a call for city council members to support the proposed zoning reforms.