Previous Public Hearing
A public hearing regarding the RIV was scheduled for Tuesday, June 5th at 2:00 PM at the City County Building, Fifth Floor, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
To speak at the hearing, individuals were required to call the City Clerk's Office at 412.255.2138 prior to the date.
Public participation is central to shaping a riverfront zoning amendment, and a city planning process typically invites residents, business owners, and neighborhood groups to weigh in before any new standards are written into the code. Community members can often attend scheduled hearings, sign up to speak during the public comment portion, or simply observe how the planning commission and city council evaluate the proposed subdistrict changes. Even brief testimony or a short written statement can help planners understand how maximum height limits, building performance standards, and transit-oriented sections may affect houses, streets, and public access along the rivers. Staying engaged from the earliest drafts ensures that final decisions reflect the people who live and work nearby.
For those who cannot attend in person, many planning departments make participation easier by posting meeting agendas, presentation materials, draft maps, and supporting documents online for review and download. Reading through these materials at your own pace allows you to compare current zoning with the proposed amendment, review the floor area ratio and height standards under consideration, and prepare thoughtful questions for staff. Some processes also accept written comments submitted by email or through an online form during a designated public comment period, which is then included in the official record reviewed by decision makers. Taking time to review the documents before submitting feedback helps ensure your input is specific, relevant, and grounded in the actual language of the proposed code.
Beyond hearings and written comments, staying informed about upcoming events helps residents track the amendment from initial proposal through final approval. Planning commissions and city councils often follow a predictable monthly schedule, with introduction, review, and vote phases spread across several meetings, and subscribing to department updates or checking the project page regularly can prevent missed opportunities to participate. Community organizations sometimes host their own informational sessions, walks along the affected riverfront, or discussions that help neighbors understand how new zoning might change the character of their streets and public spaces. By combining personal attendance, careful document review, and ongoing awareness of the legislative calendar, residents can play a meaningful role in guiding how the riverfront evolves over time.
