THE PLI PRESS
Your source for PLI news and updates!
STARTING TODAY
PERMIT FEE CALCULATOR
NEW! Check out our
Permit Fee Calculator

Making it easier to calculate your permit fee based on the
new fee formula

NEW FEES GO INTO EFFECT MAY 1
See "New Permitting Fees" section below for more info.
UCC CODE UPDATES - APRIL 1
Historically the applicable  Uniform Construction Codes (UCC)  for construction permits were determined based on the date of the design contract. PA Act 2017-36 established a deadline to use previously adopted UCC codes. 

All application submissions made on or after April 1, 2019 shall comply with the 2015 UCC codes. All application submissions made on or after June 30, 2019 shall comply with the 2018 UCC accessibility codes.

PLI will regulate this deadline:
  • Based on the date a construction permit is submitted to the City of Pittsburgh. This would exclude other application types, e.g., appeals, variances and planning reviews. 
  • Independently for each permit and permit type, e.g. building, mechanical and electrical.
THIRD PARTY AGENCY UPDATES - APRIL 1
PLI is updating our Third Party Agency Procedures. Starting April 1, Electrical Permit applicants will now need to provide the Third Party Agency before PLI issues a permit.

Here's the language from our temporary procedures doc:
a completed Application for Third Party Agency Inspection form that includes

  • the inspector’s name,
  • UCC number,
  • contact information

must be submitted to the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections  prior to the issuance of an electric permit
Ongoing:
Weekend Inspections to close old permits
Knock knock! In an effort to close outstanding permits from 2013 and older, PLI Construction Inspectors are out on Saturdays this Spring. Remember, a PLI inspector will not enter private property without the property owner's permission. If we miss you, we'll follow up with a letter.

Wondering if you have an outstanding permit? You can check on buildingeye.com!
COMING SOON
LICENSING
Rules and Regulations Updates:
Effective April 15th
UPDATES INCLUDE:
  • Businesses submitting more than 5 applications in a calendar year must do so online through the OneStopPGH portal (p 11)

  • Incomplete applications submitted and abandoned for 60 days after a final request for requirements will be closed and all fees forfeited (p 11)

  • Any amendments made to a license are free of charge (p 13)

  • License holders should make updates to their licenses through the amendment process on the OneStopPGH portal before they renew their license, and renewal applications should not be submitted until the amendment application is approved (p 13)

  • Clarification for vending and non-profit status during Special Events (p 17)

TRADE LICENSE CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS :
  • Clarification on how PLI reviews and accepts Continuing Education Hours (CEs) (p 24)
  • Info to provide when submitting CEs (p 24)
  • CEs must be completed during the previous 12 month license period (NOT the calendar year) (p 28)
  • We're now calling them Continuing Education Hours instead of units!

  • Mobile Vehicle Vendors: PLI will now complete all inspections (p 48)
  • Peddler License Updates: changes to operating hours, Special Events (p 56)
NEW PERMITTING FEES

ON MAY 1, 2019, PLI will be updating all Permitting Fees. Permit fees will now be calculated based on the total construction value of your project.

NEW FEE EXAMPLES:

APPLICATION FILING FEE: 40% OF BASE FEE will now be due at the time of filing your permit application if your project requires a plan review.

UN-PERMITTED WORK PENALTY FEE 0.2% of construction value
minimum penalty: $100.00 residential, $550.00 commercial)

MULTIPLE PLAN REVIEW or RE-INSPECTION FEE
after 3 failed reviews or inspections: $150.00

AMENDED PERMIT FILING FEE
For projects that have increased in value after the permit is issued.
cost: 20% of the base fee. The base fee in this case is based on the total new cost of construction.

For an overview of all Fee changes, including cost of Certificates of Occupancy and Occupant Load Placards, please download the Fee Schedule or visit our website: http://pittsburghpa.gov/pli/pli-fees
ONLINE PERMITTING - COMING THIS SUMMER!
Here at PLI, our Construction Division has been hard at work preparing for Phase II of OneStopPGH Online Permitting. We have a couple months of testing left to go before we're ready to reveal the final product, but in the mean time, we've got lots of changes coming down the pike in preparation for the launch.
Promotions and Retirements
  • After many years of service, Don Bottles has transferred to the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure. Congrats Don!

  • Bob Moleneaux has retired! Congrats Bob!
  • Jack Heath has retired! Congrats Jack!


  • Dave Green has recently been promoted to the position of Assistant Director of Construction. Congrats Dave!
APPLICANTS WANTED!
PLI is currently in search of applicants to fill a vacant position on the Board of License and Inspection Review, and alternates for the
The Board of License and Inspection Review was created to serve as an appeals board for decisions made by the City's license and property maintenance officers. Parties who feel that the city made the incorrect decision related to a license, permit, or property maintenance issue can appeal those decisions to this body in an effort to have them overturned or amended.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month (except August and December) and are open to the public. Meetings start at 9:30 a.m. at 200 Ross St, 1st Floor Conference Room, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. You can find Board information, including the schedule, agendas, and minutes, online at http://pittsburghpa.gov/pli/pli-board-license-inspection-review ." 
The Board of Appeals hears appeals to administrative decisions related to the Uniform Construction Code adopted by the City of Pittsburgh. A property owner or their agent may file a variance request with the Board of Appeals when they feel the true intent of the UCC was incorrectly interpreted, does not apply, or an equivalent form of construction is to be used.
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