By Councilman Wilson

Hello everyone and Happy Spring!

Back in March, I introduced legislation to reduce the minimum lot size requirements outlined in the City’s Zoning Code. This proposal is based on the findings of the 2022 Housing Needs Assessment and is currently part of the Department of City Planning’s broader zoning bill, which also includes Inclusionary Zoning (IZ), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and parking reform. However, because zoning reforms are needed now, and the larger package faces challenges in passing City Council as written, I am introducing a standalone bill focused solely on reducing minimum lot size requirements to remove barriers to housing development.

Pittsburgh’s zoning rules were created decades ago under very different economic and housing conditions. Today, they drive up construction costs, limit diverse housing options, and make it harder for working families to find affordable homes. The ordinance reduces the required lot sizes across different residential zoning sub-districts:

1. 1. Very Low-Density Areas
   1. Minimum lot size reduced from 8,000 sq. ft. to 6,000 sq. ft.
2. Low-Density Areas
   1. Minimum lot size reduced from 5,000 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft.
3. Moderate-Density Areas
   1. Minimum lot size reduced from 3,200 sq. ft. to 2,400 sq. ft.
   2. Minimum lot size per unit set at 1,800 sq. ft.
4. High-Density Areas
   1. Minimum lot size reduced from 1,800 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft.
   2. Minimum lot size per unit set at 750 sq. ft.
5. Very High-Density Areas
   1. Minimum lot size per unit set at 400 sq. ft.

Minimum lot size is the smallest lot area permitted for a development in a residential zoning district. Minimum lot size per unit is the minimum lot area needed for the development of a residential unit and determines the level of density permitted.

By lowering these requirements, we can encourage more development, increase housing options, and create more affordable choices — including smaller homes, townhouses, and multi-family residences — while maintaining neighborhood character. This ordinance is about responsible development, not overdevelopment. It will increase housing supply without altering neighborhood character, encourage more walkable, sustainable communities, and provide more opportunities for homeownership and affordability. A public hearing date has not yet been scheduled, but I will share it as soon as it is confirmed. Let’s work together to build a more affordable and accessible Pittsburgh for everyone.

Spring is now upon us and with that comes plenty of grant opportunities through the City of Pittsburgh.

The first opportunity comes through the City’s Office of Management and Budget- Community Development Division as Public Service Grants. These are federally funded grants available to nonprofit organizations serving Pittsburgh residents with low and moderate incomes. In the past, Public Service grants have funded projects such as food pantries, youth programs, job training, career counseling, literacy programs, and senior activity programs. To be eligible to apply, organizations must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, have filed an IRS Form 990 (990-N, 990-EZ, or 990) last year, have a SAM.gov profile with a Unique Entity ID, be without any outstanding financial liabilities with the City of Pittsburgh, or demonstrate an approved payment plan, have current general liability insurance, and have current worker’s compensation insurance (only required if organization has paid staff). Public Service Grant funds are complimentary, not operational funds and Grant requests should be for at least $10,000 and applicants are unlikely to receive more than $50,000.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 7, and contracts will be awarded to organizations on Jan. 1, 2026. Starting in 2025, all Public Service Grant applications will be submitted via Bridgeway software. This system will require creating a free account. Technical assistance is available as needed. Full details can be found at engage.pittsburghpa.gov/public-service-grants.

Another great opportunity for community groups in the Northside is the City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events Community Festival Grant Program, which is now open through April 13. The program, established in 1977, provides financial assistance to neighborhood and community groups to launch and develop an annual event to bring together their community and foster togetherness. It will once again issue 30 grants of up to $1,000 in reimbursements for events hosted by the community-based non-profit groups during the festival season, which runs from June 1 to Oct. 31.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a non-profit, tax-exempt, Pittsburgh community-based organization, have been in existence for at least three years, the festival must be free, open to the public, and to the benefit of the community at large, and the festival may take place over more than one day, however, in alignment with program goals, priority will be focused on one-day events. For more details on the program and to apply, email cfpgrant@pittsburghpa.gov.

Lastly, the City of Pittsburgh’s Food Justice Fund (“FJF”) Grassroots Grants Program is now receiving applications until April 14. The FJF will distribute a total of $1.5 million in grants of up to $75,000 each for projects serving city residents that increase food security and/or strengthen the food system. Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit or be represented by a fiscal sponsor and have an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less. The FJF program is entirely funded by an allocation of the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Projects must serve City of Pittsburgh communities with one or more of the following services: providing free food to food insecure residents, supporting community gardens and non-profit urban agriculture, enrolling residents in public benefits (Ex. SNAP, WIC, Allegheny Go), operating farmers markets (indoors or outdoors) or farm stands, offering educational programming about growing, cooking, or preserving food, nutrition, healthy living, or composting, addressing issues in food waste through composting or other environmental efforts, or job training or youth employment in fields related to the food system.

Applicants can find the online application and complete program details, review frequently asked questions and access technical assistance on the City’s Food Justice Fund Engage PGH page at engage.pittsburghpa.gov/food-justice-fund.

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. My staff and I look forward to serving all of you!