Pittsburgh Riverfront (RIV) Zoning District

This policy establishes the requirements applicable to the Riverfront Zoning District, a Special Purpose District in Pittsburgh that regulates development in a way that is cognizant of riverfront orientation, including specific requirements to:
– promote sustainable development
– improve the ecological health of Pittsburgh’s rivers
– conserve and enhance riverbanks and riverfronts
– and conserve, restore, and enhance native riverbank and aquatic plant life, improve river ecosystem health, and support biodiversity

The RIV District is divided into five (5) subdistricts that relate to the function, scale, character and use of different areas along the rivers, which include Mixed Residential, Mixed-Use, North Shore, General Industrial, and Industrial Mixed-Use.

The RIV District establishes a riparian buffer zone of one hundred twenty-five (125) feet to protect surface and groundwater quality, which may be reduced to no less than ninety-five (95) feet if the development complies with bonus provisions. Within the riparian buffer zone, landscaping must consist primarily of species that are native and naturalized to the region, incorporating species from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Native Wild Plant Species Accounts.

For non-residential roofs, cool roofs (reflective OR green) are required for new construction and for roof replacement on existing buildings. Solar Reflective Index values of cool roofs must be consistent with Energy Star Roof Products Key Product Criteria.

The RIV District also sets standards for stormwater management and permeability.