Frequently Asked Questions
About the RIV District Amendment
What is the RIV District?
The RIV District is the riverfront zoning amendment under review by the City of Pittsburgh. It addresses how waterfront areas along the city's rivers are planned, built, and accessed.
What changed when City Council approved the amendment?
City Council approved the RIV on July 31st with amendments. Throughout the RIV, the base height changed from 55 to 60 feet, except where a maximum of 45 feet applies. Areas that previously had a maximum of 85 feet now have a maximum of 90 feet. In a southeastern part of the Chateau neighborhood, the maximum height is 250 feet.
Where can I read the zoning text and height maps?
Draft documents — including the RIV text (Section 905.04), Performance Points (Section 915), and height maps for the Three Rivers and Ohio River Districts — are collected on the Documents & Presentations page.
Public Access & Parking
How wide must the public access easement be?
The width of the public access easement required for performance points was reduced from 30 to 20 feet, per Section 915.07.
Are temporary surface parking lots addressed?
Yes. Temporary Surface Parking standards were established in Section 905.04.I.2.
Public Review Process
When did the Planning Commission vote on the proposal?
On March 6, 2018, the City Planning Commission voted to recommend the proposed RIV District to City Council.
How can the public weigh in?
Hearings, open houses, and comment opportunities have been part of the process. Registration for past open houses was available through Eventbrite, and speakers at public hearings were required to register with the City Clerk's Office (412.255.2138) before the scheduled date.
Looking for project materials? Visit the Documents & Presentations page for current drafts, height maps, and Performance Points references.
Project Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| March 16, 2017 | Waterfronts That Work Summit |
| March 6, 2018 | Planning Commission recommends RIV District to City Council |
| June 5, 2018 | Public Hearing at City County Building, 414 Grant Street |
| July 31, 2018 | City Council approves RIV with amendments |
A general schedule for the project covered an approximately 18-month period of planning, hearings, and review.