On Friday, July 31, 2018, Pittsburgh City Council voted to PASS the “RIV” legislation to update Pittsburgh’s riverfront zoning. After an almost two-year public process led by City Planning that involved community meetings, feedback from hundreds of riverfront businesses, neighborhood residents and stakeholders, the RIV is approved!
Here are just a few ways Pittsburgh’s riverfronts will benefit from this long-awaited piece of RIV legislation:
- Community standards for riverfront building setbacks and building lengths will help preserve access to the riverfronts for everyone.
- Bonus points in the zoning process encourage developers to include affordable housing, environmental sustainability and public amenities on the trail like restrooms, public art, drinking fountains and more.
- The unique character of Pittsburgh’s riverfront neighborhoods like the Strip and South Side is preserved through contextual standards for new real estate development.
- Riverfront businesses will continue to operate side-by-side with new waterfront features like marinas, trails, restaurants and residences.
Today’s City Council vote affirmed that #RIVPGH is a smart way to plan for and protect our riverfronts as the city grows.
Thank you City Council for thoughtfully considering the RIV and voting to adopt it into Pittsburgh’s zoning code. Riverlife also thanks Pittsburgh City Planning for undertaking this enormous effort, and all of the Pittsburgh residents who weighed in with feedback and support throughout this process!
