CITY OF PI T T S BUR G H
DEPARTMENT OF PERMITS, LICENSES & INSPECTIONS
JOHN P. RO B IN CI V I C BUI LD ING
200 ROSS STREET | CIVIC BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR | 412-255-2175
WILLIAM PEDUTO
MAYOR
SARAH KINTER
ACTING DIRECTOR
PURPOSE: The following document outlines PLI’s temporary policies in effect during Pennsylvania Governor
Wolf’s emergency order to cease non-life sustaining businesses and operations, as amended to allow for limited
construction activities. This policy is intended to provide guidance for property owners, applicants,
contractors and trade license holders and is effective May 1, 2020, unless otherwise noted in the policy.
PLI Temporary Policy Guidelines – Construction Activities:
1. Original Emergency Order: Governor Wolf issued an emergency order on March 19, 2020
directing all non-life-sustaining businesses and operations, including construction, to cease
operations. The Governor identified two exceptions to this order for construction:
a. Commercial Health Care Facilities.
b. Commercial and/or residential structure emergency repairs. NOTE: a valid permit is
required to perform emergency repairs.
2. Amended Emergency Order: Pennsylvania Governor Wolf issued an amended emergency
order on April 20, 2020 to allow for limited construction activity to commence starting May 1,
2020 based on the construction activity and/or operations complying with the following:
a. Governor’s “Guidance For Businesses In The Construction Industry” issued April 23,
2020 which includes, but is not limited to:
i. Employing jobsite screening based on CDC guidance to determine if employees
should work. Prohibiting any employees with any symptoms of COVID-19 from
working.
ii. Restricting the number of job-site construction personnel, for all trades, as
follows:
1. Single-family and/or two-family dwellings (Residential): maximum of 4
per dwelling unit.
2. All other job-sites (Commercial), for enclosed portion:
a. Up to 2,000 SF maximum of 4.
b. Over 2,000 SF, one (1) additional worker for each additional 500
SF.
PLI’s External Guidelines for Construction
Activity During the Governor’s Amended
COVID Emergency Order
Issued: 4/22/20
Revised: 4/23/2020, 4/24/20, 5/1/20, 5/5/20,
5/12/20, 5/18/20
Effective: May 1, 2020
PLI’s Guidelines – Governor’s Amended COVID Order – Revised 5/18/20 Page 2 of 7
200 ROSS STREET | CIVIC BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR | 412-255-2175
iii. Requiring a “pandemic safety officer” for each job-site to be identified.
iv. Limiting tool sharing and sanitizing shared tools.
v. Allowing local authorities to impose requirements that are more stringent and
requiring businesses to comply with the local requirements.
1. Please see item 6 below for PLI modification of these requirements.
b. Follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) social distancing and
mitigation guidelines for COVID-19.
c. Follow the order of the Secretary of the PA Department of Health (DOH) “Building
Safety Measures” dated April 6, 2020, which include, but are not limited to, routine
cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas; and security and/or protocols to control
access to the building and to maintain social distancing within buildings.
d. Follow the order of the Secretary of the PA DOH “Measures for Businesses Permitted to
Maintain In-person Operations” dated April 15, 2020, which include, but are not limited
to:
i. Provide masks to employees and require masks to be worn while on the work-site
except for eating and drinking;
ii. Manage operations, include breaks and access to common spaces, to ensure 6 feet
social distancing is maintained;
iii. Provide employees access to regular handwashing or other effective means of
sanitizing; and ensuring that common areas are cleaned on a regular basis,
including between shifts.
iv. Establish protocols to follow if the business (job-site) has been exposed to a
person with probable or confirmed case of COVID-19.
3. PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC): The PA UCC remains in effect under the Governor’s
Emergency Order. PA UCC requirements include, but are not limited to, requiring a valid issued
permit in order to perform work; requiring a passed inspections prior to concealing any work;
and requiring a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Building Code Official prior to occupying
a structure and/or space.
4. PLI Offices: PLI’s offices are closed until further notice; PLI’s staff is teleworking.
5. Permit Issuance: PLI will issue permits in that are in the “Ready to Issue” status based on the
date the permit entered this status, in order from the oldest to the newest. PLI will issue permits
based on staff capacity, issuing a limited a number per day to accommodate subsequent
inspection requests. Note that given the current backlog of permits in this status this may
take several business days. PLI will expedite issuance of permits for health care facilities and
emergency work to the extent possible based on staff capacity.
Regarding construction work:
a. No work may start until a valid permit is issued.
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200 ROSS STREET | CIVIC BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR | 412-255-2175
b. Issuance of a building permit does not allow any other work to proceed; an issued permit
appropriate for each permit/system type is required.
6. Permit Holder Job-site Responsibilities: In addition to the procedures outlined in item 2 above,
the permit holder shall be responsible for complying with the requirements of this section in
order to maintain the safety of PLI Inspectors.
a. Permitted Work: Work associated with existing permits may commence May 1, 2020 per
the Governor’s amended Order. Work may not proceed beyond the point indicated in
each successive inspection and may not be concealed prior to an inspection.
b. COVID Notification: Email [email protected] to notify of all
instances of jobsite exposure to a person(s) with probable or confirmed case of COVID-
19.
c. Job-site Access/Number of Personnel:
i. For all job-sites, the permit holder shall restrict building occupants from accessing
the job-site during construction activities and inspections, except for temporary
access necessary for delivery and/or oversight.
ii. Starting May 8, 2020, for Commercial job-sites with 20, or more, construction
personnel, including all trades:
1. The “pandemic safety officer(s)” shall have a certifications from an
approved COVID-19 training program, see PLI’s FAQ’s document for
current list. To have a new program evaluated:
a. Send course outline, including duration and exam, and copy of
course materials to: [email protected]
for review.
Revised 5/12/20
2. The permit holder(s), as advised by the “pandemic safety officer” shall
establish a job-site a “COVID-19 Safety Plan” that outlines safety
protocols and procedures for maintaining compliance with the
requirements of the documents referenced in item 2 above and this policy
and include copies of the “pandemic safety officer(s)” certifications.
3. The “pandemic safety officer(s)” shall be responsible for enforcing the
“COVID-19 Safety Plan” and be present during construction activities and
available to answer questions during inspections.
4. The “COVID-19 Safety Plan” shall be posted on the job-site, at the same
location as posted issued permits.
d. Interior Job-sites: The following requirements shall apply to all interior inspections:
i. Pre-Inspection Vacancy: The permit holder is responsible to ensure that the
area(s) of job-site to be inspected, and adjacent spaces physically open to these,
are vacant for a minimum of 2 hours and ventilate these areas as much as
possible
Revised 5/18/20
prior to the inspection.
Revised 5/5/20
The PLI Director and/or
Assistant Director, or their designee, shall evaluate the following alternative on a
case-by-case basis:
1. Use of remote inspections using video software as identified as identified
by PLI, to allow the Inspector to perform on-site inspections from the
exterior of the structure.
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200 ROSS STREET | CIVIC BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR | 412-255-2175
ii. Job-Site Access: The permit holder shall provide the Inspector access to and from
the job-site, including vertical access (stair/elevator), without requiring direct
contact with on-site personnel or other building occupants.
iii. During Inspection: The permit holder shall ensure that the job-site is vacant of all
personnel during inspection and that:
1. At least one representative is available to communicate remotely with the
Inspector to provide information and/or answers related to the
inspection(s).
2. On a case-by-case basis, where instructed by the Inspector one
representative will be on-site to use video enabled software to assist the
Inspector in performing remote inspections from the exterior of the
structure. This shall include, but not be limited to, emergency repair
and/or replacement of interior electrical, ventilation and/or heating
equipment.
iv. Alternate Inspections: Inspection reports from UCC certified inspectors as
required and authorized by PLI’s Building Code Official.
e. Health Care Facilities Interior Job-sites: Permit holders for permits for health care
facilities are responsible, to the best of their ability, to provide PPE for the Inspector(s).
f. Exterior Inspections: Permit holder shall minimize personnel on-site during inspections.
All on-site personnel shall maintain a minimum of 10 feet from Inspector. The Inspector
may request:
v. The job-site to be vacant but with a representative be available via phone to
answer questions and/or provide information. If the job-site is vacant, the
Inspector shall notify the permit holder of any failed inspection items.
vi. That a representative be on-site to use video enabled software to assist the
Inspector in performing remote inspections for areas that are difficult to observe
due to site access provided. Note this may apply for inspections that generally are
exterior in nature, such as windows, in order to perform the interior inspection.
g. Close-out Documents/Paperwork: All documents shall be submitted electronically to the
OneStopPGH portal, no hard copy documents shall be accepted.
7. Inspection Requests: For all issued permits, starting April 27, 2020, PLI will schedule
inspection requests submitted for May 4, 2020, or later, based on Inspector availability. PLI will
cancel any inspections requests submitted prior to April 27, 2020. Note that requesting an
inspection DOES NOT guarantee an inspection; a PLI Inspector must confirm the inspection
date.
a. Request Format: PLI will only accept requests submitted via the OneStopPGH portal.
This ensures request response and allows PLI to manage overall inspection volume.
b. Off-hour Inspections: PLI is not accepting off-hour inspection requests under these
procedures.
c. Inspection Lead-time: PLI anticipates an unusual volume of inspection requests as the
construction industry ramps back up after the Governor’s original emergency order.
Given this, please be aware that inspection requests may require longer lead-times
than normal.
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200 ROSS STREET | CIVIC BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR | 412-255-2175
d. Performed Inspections: PLI will only perform inspections for the requested permits and
associated inspections. PLI will not perform inspections for non-requested inspections,
including for non-requested associated permits, or and/or non-requested inspection types.
8. PLI Inspection/Enforcement: In addition to standard PLI Inspection policies and procedures,
and UCC requirements, PLI will enforce the Governor’s Emergency Order and these guidelines
as follows:
a. Failed Inspections: PLI will fail inspections associated with any job-sites and/or work
that fails to comply with CDC, PA DOH and/or PLI temporary guidelines, including job-
site responsibilities, and or PLI cannot safely inspect due to COVID-19 exposure risk.
b. Issuance of Stop Work Order: PLI may issue a stop work order for any/all of the
following:
i. Work is performed without a valid permit and/or in a fashion that violates the
UCC or city ordinances;
ii. Work does not comply with CDC, PA DOH and/or PLI temporary guidelines,
including job-site responsibilities and continuation of work poses a hazard to
workers and/or building occupants;
iii. Work is performed in a dangerous and/or unsafe manner.
c. Permit Revocation: PLI may revoke a permit for any/all of the following:
i. Work does not comply with CDC, PA DOH and/or PLI temporary guidelines,
including job-site responsibilities and continuation of work poses a hazard to
workers and/or building occupants;
ii. Work is performed in a dangerous and/or unsafe manner.
iii. Existing issued permits for which construction activities were suspended, or failed
to start, for a period of more than 180 days prior to the adoption of PLI’s
temporary COVID-19 policies, shall be eligible for revocation.
d. Calculation of Permit Inactivity for Revocation: PLI shall not determine eligibility for
revocation based on the suspension of construction activities due to the Governor’s
emergency order.
9. Service Level Agreements: Under the Governor’s Emergency Order, PLI has elected to
continue to accept permit applications and provide plan review services remotely. Applicants
who submit while this policy is effective accept that PLI’s standard Service Level Agreements
(SLAs) are suspended; including the PA Uniform Construction Code time frames for PLI to
grant and/or deny applications. During these procedures, no application shall be deemed
approved until PLI provides written notification of approval.
These modifications allow PLI to accommodate fluctuations in staffing under these temporary
procedures and still provide basic services. Given these temporary procedures, it may take
longer than usual for PLI to process and review applications.
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200 ROSS STREET | CIVIC BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR | 412-255-2175
10. Application Submissions: Permit applications will continue to be accepted through the
OneStopPGH online portal, if you encounter problems with the process, please contact
a. Hard Copy Submissions: As PLI’s physical offices are currently closed, PLI will not
accept hard copy submissions, including revisions, until the OneStopPGH counter re-
opens.
i. All hard-copy applications previously submitted cannot be reviewed for the
duration of these temporary procedures. Applicants can create an account on
OneStopPGH and connect to the application online to upload digital drawings.
b. Change From Hard Copy To Electronic Submission: If you elect to modify your
application to an electronic submission, follow these steps:
i. The electronic submission shall be complete. Please upload and include all
drawings and documents previously submitted.
ii. If you do not have a OneStopPGH account:
1. Contact [email protected] to obtain pin number;
2. Create a OneStopPGH portal account using this pin number;
3. If the application status is “In Review”, you can submit your construction
documents as “supplemental documents”;
4. If the application status is “Applicant Revisions”, you can upload your
construction documents and submit as revision.
iii. If you do have a OneStopPGH portal account:
1. If the application status is “In Review”, you can submit your construction
documents as “supplemental documents”;
2. If the application status is “Applicant Revisions”, you can upload your
construction documents and submit as revision.
c. Abandonment of Permits: Please note that PLI will suspend calculation of inactivity for
abandoned applications for the duration of these temporary measures.
11. PLI Plan Review: PLI will continue to review electronically submitted applications. However
please be aware that PLI’s physical offices are closed and staff is teleworking with limited
access, see item 4.
a. Hard Copy Submission Review: As PLI’s staff does not have access to documents
submitted in hard copy format, PLI will not review hard copy submissions until the
OneStopPGH counter re-opens. This applies both existing and new application
submissions.
b. Change From Hard Copy To Electronic Submission: If you wish to modify your hard
copy application to an electronic submission, see item 6.b above.
12. Duration of Temporary Measures: These policy guidelines shall remain in effect until the
Governor and/or Sectary of DOH alters and/or removes restrictions and/or discontinues
guidelines for operations of businesses during COVID-19 and/or until PLI determines they are
no longer necessary.
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200 ROSS STREET | CIVIC BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR | 412-255-2175
PLI Temporary Policy Guidelines – License holders:
1. Trade License Holder COVID-19 Temporary Accommodations:
a. Grace Period Extension: Given the cancellation of classes required for license renewals,
all trade license grace periods will be extended until June 15, 2020. At that time, Grace
Period will revert back to the allotted time period per the standard PLI Licensing Rules
and Regulations. Trade license holders are encouraged to complete courses still offered
online or through other remote learning services. Courses must still meet the basic
content requirements of the Licensing Rules and Regulations.
b. Late Fee Waiver: All trade license late fees will be waived until June 15, 2020.
2. All Licenses:
a. Tax Compliance: The City of Pittsburgh Department of Finance has extended some tax
deadlines until July 15, 2020 and is working in a limited capacity during the emergency
period. Likewise, all PLI tax compliance letter requirements for PLI licenses will be
waived until August 15, 2020. All missing tax compliance letters must be submitted to
PLI per the standard Licensing Rules and Regulations by August 15, 2020.
b. Notarized Worker’s Compensation Affidavit: The Pennsylvania Department of State has
allowed for remote/ electronic notarization beginning on April 20, 2020 and continuing
for 60 days per the Governor’s Order and guidance on Temporary Remote Notarization.
PLI will accept e-notarized documentation, and all notarized documents required per the
PLI Licensing Rules and Regulations will are required again effective May 1, 2020.
