By Councilman Wilson

Hello everyone,

Last September, City Council passed legislation to permit registration and inspection of all rental properties in the City of Pittsburgh, which includes both short and long-term rentals. This program, which will be implemented by the City’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), will provide for systematic registration and inspection of residential rental properties. I’m happy to share that PLI is now accepting public comment for the Residential Housing Rental Permit Program, which ends on Sept. 30.

To submit commentary, please visit this website: bit.ly/RentalRegCommentary. Once the comment period closes, PLI will review the feedback and will submit a final version of the Rules and Regulations of the Program to City Council before the end of the year.

The Department of City Planning recently announced its plans to update the City’s Zoning Code to better comply with the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. The proposed Fair Housing Amendments will better align with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regulatory standards, will provide additional flexibility and opportunity for the development of housing, and will make it easier for applicants and communities to understand the Zoning Regulations around group living uses. A few changes of note include the creation of an “Interim Housing” use category specifically intended to allow for temporary- structure and other alternative types of housing for individuals facing homelessness and amending the current uses of Accessory Dwelling Units.

To review the amendments and provide feedback, visit the Engage Page at engage.pittsburghpa.gov/fair-housing-amendments. On Sept. 3, the Planning Commission will host a public hearing on these proposed amendments, and I encourage everyone to either provide a public comment or attend the public hearing, if possible. To register or submit commentary, visit pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/pc.

Now that City Council has returned from recess, we will enter budget season when the Mayor’s Office and the Office of Management and Budget present preliminary budgets for both operating and capital expenses to City Council early this fall. I would like to note that earlier this summer, I submitted over 20 capital budget requests totaling $11 million for District 1. I look forward to reviewing the preliminary budget and advocating for all the pressing needs on the Northside.

Finally, I’m happy to share that the CitiParks Office of Special Events is bringing back the Riverview 5K! This is the fifth and final event of the 2024 City of Pittsburgh Community Footrace Series presented by Allegheny Health Network and will take place on Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. To learn more about the race and to register, visit pittsburghpa.gov/events/riverview/index.html.

If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (412) 255-2135, email us at district1@pittsburghpa.gov, or find us on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). My staff and I look forward to hearing from you!