Planning Commission Meeting Summary - September 8, 2026
On September 8, 2026, Pittsburgh Planning Commission held briefings on three housing-related items, then hearing and action on a Lawrenceville subdivision, two high-wall signs, and citywide short-term rental zoning.
Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4kJLYFvN8k
Hearing and Action
DCP-LOT-2026-00182 — 4501 Hatfield Street (Central Lawrenceville)
Summary of Case
Major subdivision of one parcel into four lots with frontages on Hatfield Street and 44th Street. The site includes an existing three-story industrial building and a 49-stall parking lot. The proposal had previously been reviewed on July 28, 2026. Staff recommended approval.
Discussion
No public testimony. No commissioner comments.
Decision
Approved unanimously. Roll call ayes: LaShawn Burton-Faulk, Justin Hunt, Gerardo Interiano, Darrin Kelly, Rachel O’Neill, Peter Quintanilla, David Vatz, and Diamonte Walker.
BDA-2026-05881 — 777 Casino Drive (Chateau / Rivers Casino)
Summary of Case
Design review for two high-wall signs (“logo + Rivers Casino”) on the south and west faades, replacing older branding with larger faces of about 810 square feet each, under 5% of the exposed façade. Illumination would follow code limits, with no motion or animation. Staff recommended approval with a standard final-plans condition.
Discussion
Chair LaShawn Burton-Faulk recused. No public testimony. No commissioner comments.
Decision
Approved as recommended. Roll call ayes: Justin Hunt, Gerardo Interiano, Darrin Kelly, Rachel O’Neill, Peter Quintanilla, David Vatz, and Diamonte Walker. Burton-Faulk recused.
BDA-2026-01401 — 30 Isabella Street (North Shore)
Summary of Case
One 206-square-foot high-wall tenant identification sign (PJ Dick / Trumbull) at about 85 feet on the southerly façade of a six-story multi-tenant office building that already has a Wabtec high-wall sign. ZBA Case 46 of 2026 granted a variance allowing two high-wall signs on the same folded façade, with size capped at 2% of the westerly half of that façade; the applicant reduced the sign from 236 to 206 square feet to comply. Staff recommended approval with a final-plans condition.
Discussion
No public testimony. No commissioner comments.
Decision
Approved unanimously. Roll call ayes: LaShawn Burton-Faulk, Justin Hunt, Gerardo Interiano, Darrin Kelly, Rachel O’Neill, Peter Quintanilla, David Vatz, and Diamonte Walker.
Council Bill 2026-0009 — Short-term rental primary and accessory uses (citywide)
Summary of Case
Zoning text amendment (sponsors Councilmembers Gross, Coghill, and Wilson) adding Short-Term Rental (Primary) and Short-Term Rental (Accessory) uses and standards. Primary STR would be by-right mainly where multi-unit residential is allowed, with building caps (maximum two primary STRs in buildings of 20 units or fewer; maximum five above 20) and a ban on hosting assembly, entertainment, or hospitality events in STR units. Accessory STR would be limited to one per lot, managed by an owner-occupant. Primary STR would not be permitted in R1, R2, or R3; existing units in those districts would need to document legal nonconformity within 12 months. Existing STRs citywide would still need annual licensing under a separate PLI companion bill. Staff recommended a positive recommendation with a technical amendment striking leftover use-specific criteria that cannot be administered where the use is not permitted.
Discussion
Councilmember Gross framed nuisance, safety, and housing-stock loss from absentee primary STRs; Councilmember Wilson’s office cited District 1 public-safety incidents. A large volume of written correspondence was read into the record. Public testimony was lengthy; contemporaneous reporting put speakers at more than 30 in person or online, with 62 letters ahead of the meeting. Many residents from North Side, Fineview, Lawrenceville, Brighton Heights, and elsewhere supported regulation and often argued the bill does not go far enough because existing primary STRs would be grandfathered. Hosts and industry speakers, including the Steel City Short-Term Rental Alliance, generally accepted licensing but opposed zoning bans and caps. After testimony, commissioners sought more clarity on enforceability and legal durability. Chair Burton-Faulk said she would not want to vote without knowing the proposal would do what it needs. Commissioner David Vatz stated broad support for common-sense regulation but wanted to understand city authority and a package that would solve the stated problems and stand up legally. Zoning Administrator Carolyn Ristau indicated a Law Department opinion was being drafted.
Decision
Tabled — no recommendation to City Council on September 8. Remains pending a City Law Department evaluation and opinion.
Also on the Agenda
Briefing — Council Bill 2026-0714 Multi-suite residential in UC-E near EMI (Oakland)
Council-initiated text amendment that would let UC-E lots within 100 feet of an EMI district go up to 100% multi-suite residential (not multi-unit). Staff framed it as consistent with Oakland plan housing goals near campuses and transit. Briefing only; hearing and action followed on September 22, 2026.
Briefing — BDA-2026-02153 — 2560 Smallman Street (Strip District)
Adaptive reuse and addition: existing four-story warehouse to six stories, 38 condominium units, and 68 parking spaces. Stormwater review was still outstanding, so staff would not schedule hearing and action until that is resolved. Commissioners pressed on garage screening, lighting, and the stormwater timeline. Briefing only; hearing TBD.
Briefing — DCP-ZDR-2022-11848 — 2329 Wharton Street (South Side)
Greyar’s five-story multi-unit Project Development Plan (about 365 units and 311 parking spaces after settlement) briefed ahead of hearing. Briefing only; hearing and action followed on September 22, 2026, where the project was approved with conditions.
Correspondence
Items read into the record included Manchester Reunited / Reconnecting Communities grant support letters, correspondence on Council Bill 2025-2224 / Golden Horizons PUB, and a long list of letters on Council Bill 2026-0009 (short-term rentals).
Summary prepared for Pro-Housing Pittsburgh from the public YouTube recording and contemporaneous local reporting. Commissioner name spellings checked against the City of Pittsburgh Planning Commission roster. Not an official City of Pittsburgh record.
