Design Guidelines

Adopted by the City of Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission (HRC)

Businesses planning to make improvements to the exteriors of their buildings should refer to the East Carson Street Historic District Design Guidelines as adopted by the City of Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission (HRC). Have questions about how to get started? Visit our Project Approval page or contact the HRC at (412) 255-2243 or South Side Local Development Company at (412) 481-0651.

Below are the highlights of the Design Guidelines:

Signs. Projecting signs are permitted; internally lighted signs are not. Size limitations are part of the City Zoning Code.
Awnings. Traditional sloped awnings are permitted; rounded or internally lighted awnings are not. Awning sign rules are part of the City Zoning Code.
Security Devices. Exterior security devices are not permitted. The Commission urges all merchants who would like additional security to provide it on the inside of their store windows and doors. Internal alterations are not in the HRC’s jurisdiction.
Public Telephones. New public telephones are not permitted on the outside of a building (internal installations are not affected).
Windows. Replacement windows on the upper floors of the main façade(s) of buildings should be wood (never vinyl); aluminum or vinyl windows are permitted on the sides and rear of most buildings.
Paint Colors. The HRC staff reviews paint colors in order to prevent inappropriate colors and combinations. Paint colors are not prescribed for owners.
Telecommunications Equipment. Telecommunications equipment cannot be visible from the street. Property and business owners planning to install such equipment should contact the HRC.