Pittsburgh City Council advances tiny house initiative for affordable housing solutions

The Pittsburgh City Council held a meeting on November 25, 2024, focusing on several key legislative initiatives aimed at addressing housing and technology improvements within the city. The session began with discussions surrounding a proposed bill related to affordable housing options, particularly for individuals on waiting lists for permanent housing.

Councilwoman Gross highlighted the bill's intent to create opportunities for converting existing structures into deeply affordable or temporary housing. This initiative, often referred to as the "tiny house bill," aims to target high-density areas of the city, allowing for both the refurbishment of existing buildings and the potential development of tiny homes on vacant lots. The council expressed optimism about the bill's alignment with the planning commission's previous recommendations and the mayor's fair housing legislation.

Councilman Kaga emphasized the importance of this initiative as part of a broader homeless initiative, noting that the council has been working on this issue for over two years. He expressed hope that the planning commission would return with a positive recommendation in January, allowing the council to take further action.

Councilwoman Kale Smith raised concerns about ensuring that the new legislation would not conflict with existing zoning laws. She acknowledged the need for careful consideration of housing solutions and expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of her colleagues in pursuing these initiatives.

The council also discussed the technical aspects of the proposed bill, including amendments to the current zoning code. Councilman Wilson sought clarification on the changes made to the bill, which were primarily focused on a four-year expiration clause for any sites chosen for development.

Following the housing discussions, the council moved on to the Innovation Performance, Asset Management, and Technology Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Gross. The committee reviewed Bill 1227, which proposed an amendment to a previous resolution authorizing an agreement with Accenture to enhance the city's customer relationship management system. The amendment sought to increase the approved budget by $585,755.33, bringing the total cost to approximately $1.1 million over three years.

The council motioned to hold the housing bill for further review and recommendation from the planning commission, ensuring that public input would be considered in the upcoming months. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing housing and technological advancements in Pittsburgh, with further discussions anticipated in early 2025.