Want more details? Check out our FAQs:

1. What is the Pittsburgh façade ordinance?
   The façade ordinance requires periodic inspections of building exteriors to ensure public safety. Most cities’ regulations apply to buildings over a certain height or with specific use classifications, excluding single-family residences and smaller facilities. Pittsburgh’s ordinance applies to all buildings regardless of height.  The only exceptions are R-3 structures, which include single-family residences and daycare or rooming house facilities with five or fewer residents.

2. Which buildings are affected by the façade ordinance?
   The ordinance applies to most buildings, except those classified under Use Group R-3, such as single-family homes and specific small structures. Commercial buildings, multi-family residences, and larger structures fall under their scope.

3. How often do inspections need to be conducted?
   Buildings subject to the ordinance must be inspected by a licensed professional engineer or registered architect every five years.

4. What happens during a façade inspection?
   A qualified inspector examines the exterior of the building for structural integrity and safety. This includes checking for cracks, loose materials, water damage, and any signs of potential failure.

5. What documents are required for compliance?
   After the inspection, a Façade Inspection Report must be submitted to the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI). The report categorizes the building as safe, unsafe, or safe with a repair-and-maintenance program. If the building is not classified as “safe,” the PLI will consider it in non-conformance with the ordinance, and every “deficiency” documented in the report must be addressed and a clean report issued.

6. Are there penalties for non-compliance?
   Yes, failure to comply with the ordinance may result in fines, enforcement actions, or even restrictions on the building’s use. Staying proactive about inspections is key to avoiding these penalties.

7. Can repairs or maintenance extend the inspection deadline?
   No. Repairs or maintenance do not exempt you from complying with the scheduled inspection timeline. However, they may prevent larger issues and ensure a smoother inspection process.