Land Use Planning

Allegheny Forward is the county’s new comprehensive plan, which will be developed throughout 2025 and 2026. It's the vision for the county’s future, and a roadmap to get there, and sets policies for development, redevelopment, conservation, and economic initiatives.

Please view the Allegheny County Comprehensive Plan webpage for more information.

The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC) and ACED is developing the Mon Valley Economic Development Strategy in partnership with state and federal leaders and economic development partners.

The strategy will provide a clear and actionable framework for guiding business attraction, job creation, and investment across the Mon Valley. Building on the existing 2005 plan, and aligned with the Allegheny Forward comprehensive planning framework, this effort responds to changing economic conditions and seeks to strengthen competitiveness, workforce alignment, and investment readiness in two Mon Valley subregions.

Key Goals

The strategy aims to create an action-oriented roadmap that:

• Positions the Mon Valley for business growth and investment readiness
• Aligns local assets, sites, and infrastructure with emerging industry trends
• Supports job creation, workforce alignment, and inclusive economic participation
• Provides clear tools and guidance for public, private, and nonprofit partners

Upcoming

1. Phase 1 (fall 2025 - spring 2026): establishing the foundation, auditing the 2005 plan, assessing economic conditions, identifying high-impact projects, and creating an investment roadmap
2. Partner Engagement: roundtables, coordination sessions, and public open house will shape shared priorities and implementation strategies

For more information, please contact acedplanning@alleghenycounty.us.

• Site Plans and Subdivisions
• Land Use Ordinances and Comprehensive Plans
• Grant and Permit Consistency Determinations

ACED administers the 2012 Allegheny County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) for municipalities that have not adopted their own ordinance. ACED's Planning Division is responsible for administering the county SALDO on behalf of 27 municipalities.

• County SALD Application Form(PDF, 306KB)
• County SALD Waiver and Modification Application(PDF, 150KB)

ACED reviews and signs final record plans (formerly mylars) of approved subdivisions, site plans, and planned residential developments (PRDs) for all municipalities except the City of Pittsburgh.

• Subdivision Fact Sheets and Forms

The Pennsylvania Storm Water Management Act (Oct. 4, 1978, P.L. 864, No. 167) provides for the regulation of land and water uses for flood control and stormwater management. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved the Allegheny County Act 167 Stormwater Management on May 31, 2018.

• County-Wide Stormwater Management Plan (2018)(PDF, 94MB)
  • Executive Summary(PDF, 483KB)
• Model Stormwater Management Ordinance (2018)(PDF, 10MB)
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Approval Letters(PDF, 6MB)

ACED supports transportation projects and planning initiatives.

• Active Allegheny: A Comprehensive Commuter Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2010)
• Active Allegheny Grant Program

ACED sponsors workshops to educate local officials on relevant land use planning issues. The following are presentations from previous workshops.

• Local Development Review Process from A to Z(PDF, 2MB) (Spring 2018)
• Zoning Beyond the Basics(PDF, 6MB) (Spring 2019)

ACED reviews state and federal applications for consistency with Allegheny Places upon request. To request a review, email ACEDPlanning@alleghenycounty.us a minimum of 10 days prior to the grant deadline.

Requests must include:

• Grant Consistency Review Form(PDF, 215KB)
• Detailed project narrative
• Site location map
• Cost estimate

ACED reviews state permit applications for consistency with Allegheny Places, particularly Department of Environmental Protection Act 14 and NPDES permits. Email permits for review to ACEDPlanning@AlleghenyCounty.us.

Permits may also be mailed to:

ACED Planning Division
436 Seventh Avenue, Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

ACED Authorities Financing Programs
For manufacturers, businesses, municipalities, residents, healthcare facilities, and nonprofits seeking funds for land development, acquisitions, expansions, and renovations

Bid Notices
Browse federally funded and non-federally funded projects by Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED)

Forms
Find documents to help obtain business funding, locate suitable real estate development sites, and prepare subdivision plans

Related Links
Explore additional sources of financing and tax credits, open records, and other resources