title
Ordinance amending the Pittsburgh Code, Title Nine, Zoning Code, Article VI, Chapter 919, Signs, to create Entertainment Districts and regulate signs.
(Sent to the Planning Commission for a report and recommendation on 1/29/25)
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Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. The Pittsburgh Code, Title Nine, Zoning Code, Article VI, Chapter 919, Signs, is hereby Amended as follows:
919.06. Entertainment District Sign Regulations
919.06.A. General 919.06.A.1. Purpose
Entertainment District (“ED”) regulations are intended to provide a framework for alternative forms of development for areas that desire enhanced use of electronic and non- electronic signs. Applicable regulations and procedures are intended to create efficient, functional and attractive urban areas that incorporate high levels of amenities and that meet public objectives for protection and preservation of the natural environment while defining the character of the ED in a way that is consistent with these objectives. The regulations are intended to permit a substantial amount of flexibility in the use of electronic and non- electronic signage because of the large size of the site and because of its relative isolation from any neighborhood context.
919.06.A.2. Criteria for Establishment of an ED District
An ED may be created in accordance with Section 922.05 if the proposed district is at least twenty (20) contiguous acres in size and eighty (80) percent of the property owners (determined by eighty (80) percent of the land area) control the land within the district.
919.06.A.3. Conflicts
The provisions of this section shall take precedence over any conflicting provisions in Article VI, Chapter 919 relating to signs.
919.06.A.4. Regulations Applicable to All ED Districts
1. Electronic Signs Allowed
(a) Location
i) Electronic signs shall not be located within one hundred (100) feet of the rivers or be directed primarily towards the rivers.
ii) No electronic sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to obscure or otherwise physically interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or to obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
iii) No electronic signs shall be located within an LNC, NDO, P, H, or any Residentially zoned districts.
(b) Controls/Testing/Annual Certification
i) All electronic signs shall be equipped with an automatic dimmer control or other mechanism that automatically controls the sign’s brightness as established by the Council for the ED.
ii) Prior to approval of any permit to operate an electronic sign, the applicant shall certify that the sign has been tested and complies with the motion, dwell time, brightness, and other requirements herein.
iii) The owner and/or operator of an electronic advertising sign shall submit an annual report to the City certifying that the sign complies with the motion, dwell time, brightness, and other requirements herein.
919.06.A.5. Establishment of ED Districts
The following ED Districts are hereby established:
(a) ED-1, North Shore Entertainment District
919.06.B. North Shore Entertainment District Standards
The provisions of this section apply only to all land within the North Shore Entertainment District, which is generally bounded by Reedsdale St. and the Allegheny River and generally extends from the Rivers Casino to Sandusky Street as depicted in Figure 919.06.B.
Figure 919.06.B.
919.06.B.1. Subdistricts
The North Shore Entertainment District shall be divided into five (5) “Subdistricts,” referred to as “Acrisure Stadium District,” “PNC Park District,” “Casino District,” “Science Center District,” and “Pop District,” inclusive. The Subdistricts shall be located in those areas as depicted in Figure 919.06.B.1.
Figure 919.06.B.1.
Acrisure Stadium Subdistrict is bounded:
By a line beginning at the intersection of the centerline of Reedsdale Street and Allegheny Avenue, and continuing along the centerline of Reedsdale Street to the intersection of Reedsdale Street and Art Rooney Avenue, then continuing south along the centerline of Art Rooney Avenue to the intersection of Art Rooney Avenue and West General Robinson Street, then continuing along the centerline of West General Robinson Street to the intersection of West General Robinson Street and Chuck Noll Way, then along the centerline of Chuck Noll Way to the intersection of Chuck Noll Way and North Shore Drive, then along the centerline of North Shore Drive and the centerline of Allegheny Avenue to the place of beginning.
Acrisure Stadium Subdistrict shall also include that portion of tax parcel 8-J-98 indicated on Figure 919.06.B.1.
PNC Park Subdistrict is bounded:
By a line beginning at the intersection of Federal Street and West General Robinson Street and continuing along the centerline of Federal Street until the 6th Street Bridge, then along the eastern edge of tax parcel 8-L-8 until its intersection with the Allegheny River, then along the southern boundary of tax parcel 8-L-8, then north to the shared boundary of tax parcel 8-L-8 and Mazeroski Way, then north along the centerline of Mazeroski Way to the intersection of Mazeroski Way and the southern boundary of tax parcel 8-K-36, then along the southern boundaries of tax parcels 8-K-36 and 8-K-37 to
the western boundary of tax parcel 8-K-37, then along the western boundary of tax parcel 8-K-37 across General Robinson Street on an arc to the southwestern corner of tax parcel 8-K-5, then along the northern boundary of tax parcel 8-K-5 until the intersection of the northern boundary of tax parcel 8-K-5 and Mazeroski Way, then along the centerline of Mazeroski Way to the intersection of Mazeroski and West General Robinson Street, then along the centerline of West General Robinson Street to the place of beginning.
Casino Subdistrict is bounded:
On the east, by the centerline of Sproat Way and, upon the termination of Sproat Way, by the eastern boundary of tax parcel 7-L-32;
On the south, by the southern boundary of tax parcel 7-L-32, the southern boundary of tax parcel 7-G-122 and the southern boundary of tax parcel 7-F-273;
On the west, by the centerline of Belmont Street and the western boundary of tax parcel 7-F-262 until the intersection of the western boundary of tax parcel 7-F-262 and Reedsdale Street; and
On the north, by the centerline of Reedsdale Street until the intersection of Reedsdale Street and Casino Drive, then by the centerline of Casino Drive.
Science Center Subdistrict is bounded:
On the east, by the center line of Allegheny Avenue and North Shore Drive;
On the south, by the southern boundary of tax parcel 7-M-500;
On the west, by Sproat Way, then, from the intersection of Sproat Way and Casino Drive - by the centerline of Casino Drive until its intersection with Reedsdale Street; and
On the north, from the intersection of Reedsdale Street and Casino Drive - by the centerline of Reedsdale Street, and for the remainder of the subdistrict - by the northern boundary of tax parcel 7-M-2-1.
Pop District Subdistrict is bounded:
By a line beginning at the intersection of Range Way and East Lacock Street, and continuing along the centerline of East Lacock Street to the eastern boundary of tax parcel 8-H-166, then along the eastern boundary of tax parcels 8-H-166 and 8-H-163 to the point where such boundary intersects with East General Robinson Street, then along the centerline of East General Robinson Street to the intersection of East General Robinson Street and Sandusky Street, then along the centerline of Sandusky Street to the intersection of Sandusky Street and Silver Street, then along the centerline of Silver Street to the intersection of Silver Street and Vulcan Way, then along the centerline of Vulcan Way to the intersection of Vulcan Way and East General Robinson Street, then along the centerline of East General Robinson Street to the intersection of East General Robinson Street and Range Way, then along the center line of Range Way to the place of beginning.
919.06.B.2. Intent
The North Shore contains the City of Pittsburgh’s largest geographically concentrated area of Public Destination Facilities, including Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, Stage AE, Rivers Casino, Carnegie Science Center and Warhol Museum. These facilities collectively attract over 20 million visitors per year and generate significant revenue that supports the local and regional economy. Signs on major highways direct traffic to the “North Shore” as a major City destination.
These facilities and the surrounding areas on the North Shore are characterized by unique activities, entertainment programs, sponsorships and large-scale temporary events that promote the City to the world. The intent of this legislation is to provide for sophisticated modern signage and branding efforts on the North Shore.
The North Shore Entertainment District is intended to:
1. Encourage the orderly development, placement, and usage of two and three-dimensional branding, destination, identification, digital accessory, non-accessory, and public service displays on individual lots and public spaces;
2. Preserve the integrity of commercial areas; and
3. Abate or reduce any detrimental impacts to surrounding areas and uses.
919.06.B.3. Special Definitions
The following special definitions shall apply throughout the North Shore Entertainment District regulations of this section.
Advertising Sign means a sign that primarily directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment, conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is displayed.
In the North Shore Entertainment District, Advertising Signs shall only be permitted in the Pop District and Science Center Subdistricts or on a Garage provided that 15% of the content of the sign is devoted to community-based messaging, events and activities occurring on premises, and artistic displays. Other than content, Advertising Signs are considered Public Destination Facility Signs in the North Shore Entertainment District.
Broadcast Content means the live broadcast of sporting events and performances and related programs at the facility or at remote venues during the day of an event.
Broadcasts may include commercials that typically occur during such broadcasts.
Changeable Content means static messaging showcasing internal facilities and events, the name, logo and/or tagline of a Public Destination Facility or Open Space, the primary or secondary tenants of a Public Destination Facility or Open Space, or a Sponsor associated with a Public Destination Facility, a tenant thereof or Open Space, and cross- marketing of other facilities and events within the North Shore Entertainment District.
Decorative Branding Sign means a District Branding Sign that may carry the North Shore name, logo, and/or tagline.
District Branding Sign means signage designed to promote the identity of the North Shore area as an entertainment destination. District Branding Signs include Portal Branding Signs, Wayfinding Signs, and Decorative Branding Signs.
Garage in the North Shore Entertainment District means a structure or any portion thereof designed for the parking of one (1) or more automobiles that is owned or operated by a local agency or authority.
Ground Based Public Destination Facility Signs means any and all permanent free standing Public Destination Facility Signs located within a Subdistrict’s Open Space that is not attached to any building.
Large Video Display in the North Shore Entertainment District means an electronic sign that features real-time, full-motion, or pictorial imagery of television quality or better and may include Broadcast Content or Changeable Content.
Major Temporary Event means a one-time event or event that does not occur on an annual basis (ex. the NFL Draft, the Winter Classic & All-Star Game) or an annual event with an attendance or patronage of at least one hundred thousand (100,000) people.
Minor Temporary Event means a specific event, including but not limited to sporting events, concerts, festivals and parades, which takes place not more than once per year.
Open Space means that portion of a lot or lots which are not occupied by buildings or streets.
Portal Branding Sign means a District Branding Sign located at or in close proximity to the boundaries of the North Shore Entertainment District or other prominent location within the North Shore Entertainment District readily visible outside of the North Shore Entertainment District that may carry the North Shore name, logo, and/or tagline, venue name(s), and event listings. The primary purpose of a Portal Branding Sign is to identify the North Shore Entertainment District at the major entrance gateways to the North Shore Entertainment District.
Public Destination Facility means a structure providing as its primary use one (1) of the following: community center, hospital, cultural services (limited and general), public assembly (general) recreation and entertainment facilities (general, indoor and outdoor) and gaming enterprises.
Public Destination Facility Signs means signage that carries the name, logo and/or tagline of a Public Destination Facility or Open Space, the primary or secondary tenants of a Public Destination Facility or Open Space, or a Sponsor associated with a Public Destination Facility, a tenant thereof or Open Space. Public Destination Facility Signs include Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs and Ground Based Public Destination Facility Signs.
Public Destination Facility Signs may include, but are not limited to, three dimensional objects such as drink bottles, sports balls, trains, or river boats.
Sponsor means a person, entity, or organization that provides financial and other support for a tenant, event, product, service or activity associated with a Public Destination Facility.
Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs means any and all permanent Public Destination Facility Signs attached to the Public Destination Facility and includes, but is not limited to, the following types of signs: Business, Identification, Electronic, Marquee, Canopy and Projecting Signs.
Temporary Event Sign means a sign that advertises a specific event and the Sponsor thereof, including but not limited to sporting events, concerts, festivals and parades, which takes place not more than once per year.
Temporary Event Sign Plan means a plan that provides for the locations, quantities and sizes of all Temporary Event Signs on the zoning lots and facilities located thereon under the control or ownership of the primary occupant of such lots and facilities.
Wayfinding Sign means a District Branding Sign that conveys directional, operational, business name, daily event or logo information to vehicles and pedestrians.
919.06.B.4. Regulations Applicable Throughout the North Shore Entertainment District
The following regulations apply to all developments located within the North Shore Entertainment District.
1. District Branding Signs
A. Portal Branding Signs
1. Location.
Portal Branding Signs may be located on free standing structures, wall surfaces, poles, or parapet structures along the perimeter of the North Shore Entertainment District or other prominent location within the North Shore Entertainment District readily visible outside of the North Shore Entertainment District facing toward adjacent districts and the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers or along bridges and other public thoroughfares located within the vicinity of the North Shore area.
2. Content
Portal Branding Signs may carry the North Shore name, logo, and/or tagline, venue name(s), and event listings, represented in custom lettering or as a logotype(s).
Sponsorship information may not be included within a Portal Branding Sign.
3. Size
Portal Branding Signs are one of the largest sign types in the North Shore Entertainment District. These signs are sized to be readable from major viewing corridors.
Portal Branding Signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in letter height and contain minimal backgrounds.
4. Visibility
(a) Except when located within one hundred feet of the riverfront, Portal Branding Signs may have direct face, and/or edge and/or halo illumination caused by neon, incandescent, fluorescent, L.E.D. lamps or any other solid state electronic component.
(b) Motion is limited to lighting changes that may include color changes in the lettering, background or structure.
(c) Full animation or changeable text is not permitted.
(d) Portal Branding Signs may be illuminated 24 hours per day.
(e) Luminance shall be no greater than 2,500 nits by day and 250 nits by night for Portal Branding Signs located within 100 feet of the river.
(f) Luminance shall be no greater than 4,500 nits for Portal Branding Signs located more than 100 feet from the river.
B. Wayfinding Signs
1. Location
Wayfinding Signs may be located as a Ground Sign, or on poles and wall surfaces located in or along main thoroughfares. These signs may also be located on secondary internal roadways, turning points and pedestrian pathways, including the river trail, within the North Shore area, to lead vehicles and pedestrians to their final destination.
2. Content
(a) Wayfinding Signs direct users to multiple destinations in the North Shore Entertainment District or other similar destinations within the vicinity of the area. These signs may also contain dynamic electronic components to convey parking, traffic and event information.
(b) Wayfinding Signs shall be consistent in color, size, font and placement and be part of the overall district identity.
3. Size
(a) The size of Wayfinding Signs is dependent on the number of messages listed, but shall not exceed 32 square feet in face area.
(b) The height of Wayfinding Signs shall be appropriate to human scale visibility.
4. Visibility
(a) Wayfinding Signs may have direct face, and/or edge and/or halo illumination caused by neon, incandescent, fluorescent, L.E.D. lamps or any other solid state electronic component.
(b) Except for any dynamic electronic components that convey public and event information, the mechanical elements of Wayfinding Signs may not move and all motion is limited to lighting changes that may include color changes in the lettering, background or structure. The dwell time between messages is no less than ten (10) seconds.
(c) Wayfinding Signs may be illuminated 24 hours per day.
(d) Luminance shall be no greater than 2,500 nits by day and 250 nits by night for Wayfinding Signs located within 100 feet of the river.
(e) Luminance shall be no greater than 4,500 nits for Wayfinding Signs located more than 100 feet from the river.
C. Decorative Branding Signs
1. Location.
Decorative Branding Signs may be located on poles and wall surfaces on or adjacent to circulation pathways in the North Shore for viewing by vehicles and pedestrians within the North Shore Entertainment District.
2. Content
(a) Decorative Branding Signs may carry the North Shore name, logo, and/or tagline, represented in custom lettering or as a logotype(s).
(b) Decorative Branding Signs should be consistent in color, size, font and placement and be part of the overall district identity.
3. Size
Decorative Branding Signs will have type sized appropriately to viewing distances.
4. Visibility
Decorative Branding Signs may be remotely lit. No motion through lighting is allowed.
D. Comprehensive Signage Design Plan
An application for approval of all District Branding Signs in the North Shore Entertainment District must be submitted to the Department of City Planning for review and approval. The application shall include a comprehensive signage design plan to address the location and dimensions of all Portal Branding Signs, Wayfinding Signs and Decorative Branding Signs throughout the North Shore Entertainment District. The comprehensive signage design plan shall be subject to Design Review. The Art Commission must review and approve any locations within a Public Right-of-Way or on City-owned property.
2. Temporary Event Signs
1. The locations of all Temporary Event Signs are to be provided for in a Temporary Event Sign Plan.
2. The determination of whether an event is a Major Temporary Event or Minor Temporary Event shall be determined by the Special Permit issued by the Special Events Committee. A copy of the Special Permit must be submitted to the Department of City Planning when the application for the Temporary Event Signs for the event is filed.
(a) For Major Temporary Events, the signs may be in place up to two (2) months before the start of the event and until two (2) weeks after the close of the event; and
(b) For Minor Temporary Events, the signs may be in place up to two (2) weeks before the start of the event and until two (2) weeks after the close of the event.
2. An application for a Temporary Event Sign Plan must be submitted to the Department of City Planning for review and approval. The Art Commission must review and approve any locations within a Public Right-of-Way or on City-owned property.
3. Other Signs Not Located in a Subdistrict
Except for Garages, all other signs that are not located in a North Shore Entertainment District Subdistrict shall be subject to the regulations set forth in Chapter 919 relating to non-advertising signs.
Garages may permit Advertising Signs subject to the regulations applicable to Public Destination Facility Signs set forth in Section 919.06.B.5.
919.06.B.5. Regulations Applicable Throughout North Shore Entertainment District Subdistricts
1. Public Destination Facility Signs
A. Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs
1. Location
(a) Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs may be located on building facades, canopies, marquees, parapets, and roofs of a Public Destination Facility or other building within the same Subdistrict as a Public Destination Facility.
(b) Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs may extend beyond the roof peak or parapet wall.
2. Content
Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs may include Changeable Content.
3. Size
(a) The aggregate area for all Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs shall not exceed 5% of the total amount of all Public Destination Facility facades within the Subdistrict.
(b) The perimeter of the logo or typography shall be used to determine the square footage for all Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs.
4. Visibility
(a) Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs may be internally or externally illuminated 24 hours per day. They may have direct face, and/or edge and/or halo illumination caused by neon, incandescent, fluorescent,
L.E.D. lamps or any other solid state electronic component.
(b) Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs may include physical moving elements if they do not pose a public safety hazard and/or directly face the riverfront.
(c) Motion may include actual movement of Sponsor-related graphics (e.g. a slowly turning logo) or of a feature (e.g. the rocking of a pirate ship) or may use lighting effects to convey motion (e.g. the apparent pouring of Coca-Cola from a bottle created by chasing lights).
5. Review & Approval Process
(a) Structure Based Public Destination Facility Signs shall be subject to Design Review.
(b) The applicant must provide square footage numbers for existing signage and façade area at the time of application.
B. Ground Based Public Destination Facility Signs
1. Location
Ground Based Public Destination Facility Signs may be located anywhere in Open Space provided that the location does not present an impediment to pedestrian traffic.
2. Content
Ground Based Public Destination Facility Signs may include Changeable Content.
3. Size
(a) The total square footage of all Ground Based Public Destination Facility Signs located in Open Space shall be two (2) square feet of signage for every lineal foot of street frontage in the subdistrict.
(b) The maximum size of a Ground Based Public Destination Facility Sign shall be 3,000 square feet.
4. Review & Approval Process
Ground Based Public Destination Facility Signs shall be subject to Design Review.
2. Large Video Displays
1. Location
(a) A Large Video Display shall be located on a Public Destination Facility facade or Open Space.
(b) Large Video Displays shall not directly face towards the riverfront.
2. Content
(a) Large Video Displays may contain Broadcast Content and Changeable Content.
3. Size
The maximum size of a Large Video Display shall be 1,200 square feet.
4. Visibility
(a) Luminance shall be no greater than 2,500 nits by day and 250 nits by night for Large Video Displays directed toward the river.
(b) Luminance shall be no greater than 4,500 nits for all other Large Video Displays.
5. Review & Approval Process
Large Video Displays shall be subject to Design Review and approval by the City Planning Commission.
919.06.B.6. Acrisure Stadium Subdistrict
RESERVED
919.06.B.7. PNC Park Subdistrict
RESERVED
919.06.B.8. Casino Subdistrict
RESERVED
919.06.B.9. Science Center Subdistrict
Advertising Signs are permitted in the Science Center Subdistrict subject to the regulations applicable to Public Destination Facility Signs set forth in Section 919.06.B.5.
919.06.B.10. Pop District Subdistrict
Advertising Signs are permitted in the Pop District Subdistrict subject to the regulations applicable to Public Destination Facility Signs set forth in Section 919.06.B.5.