Building codes that seek to keep people safe, but that were created in a time of lesser fire suppression technologies, have created a two staircase requirement for most buildings. This makes small buildings expensive and difficult to build. We recommend eliminating the requirement while maintaining safety through modern building methods like pressurized stairwells, sprinkler systems, and fire rated doors and walls.

Pittsburgh needs to upzone the entire city. We should allow more housing to be built everywhere in the city. Reducing complexity and unnecessary restrictions will make it easier to build housing, drive down housing costs and rents, and decrease the city’s segregation.

Frequent, regular, fair property tax assessments help with housing abundance and affordability. We support the legislation currently before county council mandating regular assessments by the county.

Inclusionary Zoning sounds like a good policy for promoting affordable housing. But what are its actual effects? Join us on our fourth policy piece as we explore Pittsburgh’s Inclusionary Zoning policy and its impact on abundant, affordable housing.

This is the third entry in our Policy series. Here we discuss what Land Value Taxes are, how they impact housing in Pittsburgh, and how we can use them to reduce blight.

This is the second entry in our Policy series. Here we discuss what Minimum Lot Sizes are, how they impact housing in Pittsburgh, and why we should abolish them.