Moving driveways away from the front of houses increases safety for sidewalk users.

On January 19, the Peduto administration released a statement about proposed zoning changes to reduce sidewalk curb cuts by requiring developers to build side or rear parking access to row houses wherever possible, instead of in the front of homes. However, if rear parking is unavailable then developers are encouraged to build shared driveways to reduce the number of curb cuts, limiting the number of conflict zones in the sidewalk. This would have the greatest effect on the City’s densest  neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, the South Side, and the Northside.

This legislation was originally introduced in March 2020 and has gone through several steps in the approval process.

How does this improve access for people using the sidewalk?

By reducing the number of curb cuts in a sidewalk, pedestrian safety and access is greatly enhanced by having a continuous path with fewer points in conflict between people using the sidewalk and people using a vehicle. According to the press release, Planning Director Andrew Dash also says that this is, “ensuring that less on-street parking will be privatized for driveways along streets in these neighborhoods.” 

In addition to safety, moving driveways away from the front of the house also has the potential to encourage neighborly interaction by putting first floor living back to the ground level instead of parking. 

Influence this safety measure by speaking at the hearing.

The Planning Commission dates have been scheduled for the new legislation: February 9, will be the briefing and February 23, will be the hearing, so save your calendars for the afternoon on February 23. Both of these meetings will have opportunities for the public to testify and provide feedback.

This legislation will be up for discussion on Wednesday, January 27, 10am, at the City Council’s Standing Committees meeting. 

If you would like to speak at this standing committee, you must register online by using the Speaker Signup form by 9am on the day of the meeting or by calling the City Clerk’s office at (412) 255-2138. In addition, written comments can be submitted to the City Clerk via email at cityclerksoffice@pittsburghpa.gov

Once this discussion has taken place, it will be sent back to Council with the positive or negative recommendation.