Overview
Pittsburgh enforces the PA UCC through PLI (Bureau of Building Inspection). As of Jan 1, 2026, the 2021 ICC codes apply citywide. Plumbing is county-run — permits and licenses go through Allegheny County Health Dept., not the City. All other trades use PLI and OneStopPGH.
Permit Portal
OneStopPGH
All PLI permits submitted online. Fire prevention permits through the City Fire Bureau separately.
2026 Code Update
2021 ICC Family
Confirm the currently adopted code edition for each trade with PLI before preparing plans.
Trades
Select a trade to view codes, licenses, fees, and common pitfalls.
Electrical
PLI (Pittsburgh)Applicable Code
Current electrical code adopted by PLI
License Requirement
City Electrical Trade License — ≥6 yrs experience + exam
License Fee
Current PLI license schedule
CEUs
8 hrs / year
Permit Fee
Current PLI fee schedule and official calculator
Plan Review Time
Confirm the current standard or eligible EZ review path with PLI
Common Pitfalls
- Energizing before final sign-off
- No permit for low-voltage work
- Outdated NEC edition on plans
Permit-to-CO Workflow
Standard PLI path; ACHD plumbing follows the same stages on its own schedule.
Submit application
via OneStopPGH portal
Plan review
confirm the current review path and respond to correction comments
Permit issued
confirm required payments and retain the issued permit record
Rough & ongoing inspections
stage-by-stage sign-offs during construction
Final inspection
all trades must pass; fire permit must be closed out
Certificate of Occupancy
confirm any required certificate and remaining closeout steps with PLI
2026 Fee Quick Reference
Use the current PLI fee guidance and effective City schedule before budgeting. A minimum base fee is not an extra additive charge. County plumbing and zoning fees are separate. Sources checked October 5, 2026.
Enforcement
Up to $1,000 and 30 days jail per offense (Title 10 / Title 1). Stop-work orders, permit revocation, and license suspension are common. ACHD handles plumbing violations separately. Unregistered GCs on site violate Ch. 751.
Homeowner / Owner-Occupant Note
Owner-occupants of single- or two-family homes are exempt from GC registration and city trade licenses, but must still pull permits and meet code. County plumbing permits always apply; county licenses may still be required for non-owner work.