Do You Need a Roofing Permit in Pittsburgh?
Often yes
Pittsburgh PLI lists roofing as a Minor Alterations work scope of the residential building permit, and roofing in a historic district also needs Zoning Development Review. Ordinary repairs that don't cut structural members or change systems don't need a permit.
Source: Pittsburgh PLI Bulletin: Standard Permit Application Requirements
Pittsburgh Roofing Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 277
- Issued, last 30 days
- 18
- Median application to issue
- Not published
- Median declared job value
- $49,000
- 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 roofing work. Data from WPRDC: PLI Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What Pittsburgh's Rules Say
- Roofing is a Minor Alterations work scope on PLI building permits.
- In a historic district, roofing also needs a Zoning Development Review.
- Ordinary repairs are exempt unless they cut structural beams or load-bearing supports.
Pittsburgh Roofing 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 Roofing Permits
| Neighborhood | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| Duquesne Heights | 22 |
| Bedford Dwellings | 20 |
| Shadyside | 19 |
| Central Business District | 15 |
| South Side Flats | 13 |
| Squirrel Hill South | 11 |
How to Get a Roofing 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 Roofing Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-22 | 1 Allegheny Ter | NON-STRUCTURAL INTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE NEW SID |
| 2026-10-21 | 5815 Kentucky Ave | INTERIOR RENOVATIONS INCLUDING STRUCTURAL MODIFICATIONS, MODIFY FRONT PORCH/DECK TO EXTEND PORCH ROOF TO FULL FOOTPRINT |
| 2026-10-21 | 1427 Pennsylvania Ave | REPAIR IN KIND ROOF, BOX GUTTER AND DORMER AFTER TREE DAMAGE, CORRECT OCC PERMIT TO SINGLE FAMILY PER 11-B-02406 |
| 2026-10-20 | 5362 Rosetta St | ROOF REPLACEMENT AT EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING |
| 2026-10-20 | 1013 Chestnut St | INTERIOR NONSTRUCTURAL RENOVATIONS, NEW BATHROOMS, BATHSROOMS, FINISHES, WINDOWS, SIDING, AND RESHINGLE ROOF |
| 2026-10-15 | 621 Industry St | NON-STRUCTURAL EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS TO INCLUDE NEW ROOFING AND GUTTERS AT EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DELLING |
| 2026-10-13 | 48 Wabash St | REPLACE ROOF COVERING |
| 2026-10-13 | 937 Penn Ave | ALTERATIONS TO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS FOR FIT-OUT OF APARTMENTS, COMMON AND AMENITY SPACES, INCLUDING ROOFTOP AND INDOOR UNI |
| 2026-10-13 | 48 Wabash St | REPLACE ROOF COVERING |
| 2026-10-13 | 5801 Forbes Ave | RECIRCUITING OF ROOF MOUNTED EQUIPMENT FROM ROOF REPLACEMENT. NEW CIRCUITS FOR REPLACEMENT MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roofing permit in Pittsburgh?
Often yes. Pittsburgh PLI lists roofing as a Minor Alterations work scope of the residential building permit, and roofing in a historic district also needs Zoning Development Review. Ordinary repairs that don't cut structural members or change systems don't need a permit.
How many roofing permits does Pittsburgh issue?
Pittsburgh issued 277 permits matching roofing work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 23 a month. The busiest month was Sep 2026 with 47.
How much does a roofing 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 roofing 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 roofing permits in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI).
Related Permit Guides
- Pittsburgh HVAC Permits
- Pittsburgh Solar Panel Permits
- Pittsburgh Fence Permits
- Philadelphia Roofing Permits
- Chicago Roofing Permits
- Roofing Permits by City
- Roof Replacement Permit Rules in 13 US Cities
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- Pittsburgh PLI Bulletin: Standard Permit Application Requirements (linked above) (pittsburghpa.gov)
- Pittsburgh PLI: Work Not Requiring a Permit (pittsburghpa.gov)