Ria R. Price

The Planning Commission reviewed and approved several development plans and lot consolidations. Key approvals included the installation of new signage at Heinz Field, exterior renovations for a storefront on S Craig Street, and a new five-story parking structure with ground floor retail. Additionally, the commission approved multiple lot subdivision and consolidation plans across various wards, including projects in West Oakland, Terrace Village, Perry South, Homewood South, Lower Lawrenceville, Duquesne Heights, Squirrel Hill North, Upper Lawrenceville, Manchester, and Larimer.

The commission reviewed and approved an application for the construction of a new facility at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. The project involves a new giraffe barn, including associated site work, fencing, and giraffe sculptures, designed to house multiple animal species. The commission also discussed the architectural design, material usage, and the integration of decorative patterns on the building facade, which will be developed in collaboration with artists and tribal representatives.

The meeting provided an overview of proposed code updates for the Residential Permit Parking Program. Key discussion topics included the process for authorizing and modifying parking districts, transitioning administrative duties, and the community engagement process. The department outlined changes to the petition process for creating new permit areas, introduced new permit categories for medical caretakers, contractors, and childcare providers, and discussed strategies for managing visitor permits and creating hybrid parking zones to balance the needs of residents with commercial and institutional impacts.

The commission reviewed multiple remediation plans for historic properties. This included the approval of a wall construction at 500 Avery Street, with conditions regarding the stain color and landscaping. Additionally, the commission addressed after-the-fact work at 805 East Carson Street, focusing on storefront window restoration, the removal of inappropriate siding, and the installation of a paintable wood door to better align with historic guidelines.

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding two zoning applications. The first case involved a request for a variance at 4560 Friendship Avenue to permit the continued use of a structure as a two-family dwelling. The second case concerned a request for a special exception at 1528 Beach View Avenue to convert a former medical office space into two additional residential units, which would result in a total of six residential units for the property.