Do You Need a Deck Permit in Pittsburgh?
Usually yes
Uncovered decks with a floor 30 inches or less above grade need zoning approval only. All other decks need a building permit and occupancy permit; a prescriptive deck guide can replace stamped drawings for single-story wood decks 8 feet or less high.
Source: Pittsburgh PLI: Deck Information
Pittsburgh Deck Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 125
- Issued, last 30 days
- 13
- Median application to issue
- Not published
- Median declared job value
- $22,000
- Issuing office
- Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI)
- Rule last checked
- October 30, 2026
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to deck work. Data from WPRDC: PLI Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What Pittsburgh's Rules Say
- Uncovered decks up to 30 in above grade: zoning approval only.
- Other decks: building permit and occupancy permit.
- Decks other than single-story wood decks up to 8 ft high need construction drawings.
Pittsburgh Deck Permit Fees
We have not verified Pittsburgh's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) sets the fee when you apply.
Busiest Areas for Deck Permits
| Neighborhood | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| Squirrel Hill South | 10 |
| Hazelwood | 7 |
| Greenfield | 7 |
| Shadyside | 6 |
| Brookline | 6 |
| Perry South | 5 |
How to Get a Deck Permit in Pittsburgh
- Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Recent Pittsburgh Deck Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-20 | 659 Frayne St | Wire and install new THHN wire to the deck outlet, shed outlet, coach light, and flood light. |
| 2026-10-16 | 230 4Th Ave | INTERIOR ALTERATIONS FOR CONCRETE REPAIRS, NEW DECK SLAB COATING, LINE STRIPING. |
| 2026-10-16 | 1409 Columbus Ave | City Funded Demolition 1. EMERGENCY CURB-SIDE DEMOLITION. Remove all garbage and debris, vegetation, concrete slabs, acc |
| 2026-10-15 | 1099 Arlington Ave | REPAIR WORK TO REAR PORCH COLUMNS |
| 2026-10-14 | 625 Suismon St | DEMOLITION & RECONSTRUCTION OF WOOD STAIRS TO GRADE FROM 2ND FLOOR PORCH |
| 2026-10-13 | 244 Robinson St | PORCH REPAIR, REPLACE PORCH POSTS AND GUARDS |
| 2026-10-12 | 3016 Shady Ave | CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND FLOOR (9 FEET ABOVE GRADE) WOOD FRAMED DECK AT REAR OF DWELLING. |
| 2026-10-09 | 509 Roslyn Pl | INTERIOR ALTERATIONS FOR STUCTURAL FRAMING REPAIR, EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS FOR DECK REPLACMENT. |
| 2026-10-08 | 400 Cedar Ave | EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS INCLUDING INSTALLED NEW LIFT, HANDRAILS AND GUARDS, NEW TOPPING SLAB AT PORCH, NEW DOORS AT 1ST AND |
| 2026-10-07 | 127 Penham Ln | BUILD NEW FRONT PORCH (8'-0" X 5'-6"), REPLACE FRONT DOOR AND SIDELIGHTS |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a deck permit in Pittsburgh?
Usually yes. Uncovered decks with a floor 30 inches or less above grade need zoning approval only. All other decks need a building permit and occupancy permit; a prescriptive deck guide can replace stamped drawings for single-story wood decks 8 feet or less high.
How many deck permits does Pittsburgh issue?
Pittsburgh issued 125 permits matching deck work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 10 a month. The busiest month was Jul 2026 with 21.
How much does a deck permit cost in Pittsburgh?
We have not yet verified Pittsburgh's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) when you apply.
How long does it take to get a deck permit in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's open data for these records does not include usable application dates, so we cannot calculate a processing time. Ask the Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI) for current timelines.
Who issues deck permits in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI).
Related Permit Guides
- Pittsburgh Roofing Permits
- Pittsburgh HVAC Permits
- Pittsburgh Solar Panel Permits
- Philadelphia Deck Permits
- Chicago Deck Permits
- Deck Permits by City
- When a Deck Needs a Permit: Height and Size Rules by City
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- Pittsburgh PLI: Deck Information (linked above) (pittsburghpa.gov)