What Is the Pittsburgh Facade Inspection Ordinance?
With a legacy of trusted structural and façade consulting across the Northeast and beyond, O’Donnell & Naccarato brings a hands-on, solutions-driven approach to supporting property owners through Pittsburgh’s Facade Inspection Ordinance. The requirement—enforced under Chapter 1004 of the City’s adoption of the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)—ensures that exterior building components are regularly reviewed and properly maintained to prevent deterioration, protect the public, and maintain property value.
Inspection Timelines:
- Initial inspection: Required by June 2005 (within one year of ordinance adoption)
- Ongoing inspections: Every five (5) years after the previous inspection date
- New buildings: Must undergo their first inspection within 10 years of the Certificate of Occupancy issuance
Owners should proactively schedule inspections ahead of deadlines to ensure full compliance and avoid penalties.
Reporting Requirements:
While electronic submission is not currently mandatory, property owners are legally obligated to:
- Maintain the latest sealed inspection report on-site
- Provide the report immediately upon request by Pittsburgh Fire or Building Inspection officials
- Document and address any unsafe conditions found in a timely manner, with repairs completed by qualified professionals
Reports identifying unsafe conditions may require follow-up documentation confirming repairs.
What Structures Are Affected by This Ordinance?
All non-R-3 buildings located in the City of Pittsburgh are required to comply. This includes:
- Commercial properties
- Multifamily residential buildings
- Institutional and healthcare facilities
- Mixed-use developments
Exempt: Single-family homes and rooming/daycare facilities with five (5) or fewer occupants.
Additionally, buildings with façades higher than 60 feet must be inspected by a licensed professional. The inspection must involve a close-range assessment, either hands-on or using drones or other remote tools, as long as the condition of the façade can be thoroughly verified.
What Needs to Be Inspected?
A licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect must evaluate the following building elements as outlined in the IPMC and local amendments:
- Exterior walls – Check for cracks, loose materials, bulging, water damage, or deterioration (IPMC §304.6)
- Ornamental features – Including cornices, belt courses, lintels, decorative stone/terra cotta (IPMC §304.8)
- Attachments – Fire escapes, signage, awnings, and canopies (IPMC §304.9)
- Balconies and platforms – Includes decks, stairways, and porches (IPMC §304.10)
- Roofline features – Chimneys, towers, parapets, coping, and similar structures (IPMC §304.11)
Reports must be sealed by the inspecting professional and include photos, a detailed condition assessment, and repair recommendations if applicable.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Failure to comply with the ordinance can result in:
- Civil penalties up to $1,000 per day
- Criminal charges carrying up to 90 days of imprisonment
- Mandatory structural remediation or occupancy limitations—even if fines are paid
Why It Matters:
Routine façade inspections serve critical safety and preservation purposes:
- Early identification of defects before they escalate
- Enhanced public safety by eliminating falling or unstable components
- Assurance of code compliance and insurance eligibility
- Protection of historic and architectural integrity
- Long-term cost savings through proactive maintenance
How Can O&N Help?
What If My Building Needs Repairs?
Get Ahead of the Deadline! Our team helps property owners stay inspection-ready, avoid unnecessary disruptions, and maintain safe, compliant buildings across Pittsburgh. We ensure your inspection timeline, documentation, and repair strategy align with evolving local code requirements.
(800) 607-7284
