No building, structure or lot shall be constructed or improved or used for any purpose or in any manner other than the principal permitted uses, conditional uses, or uses by special exception gratned by right to the Zoning District in which such building, structure or lot is located.
Property owners looking to make alterations or changes of use to the property should submit a Zoning Permit Application to Zoning Officer Dale Regrut II. The Borough of Avalon requires a Zoning Permit for all fences, retaining walls, driveways, steps, porches, decks, accessory structures (including small sheds), and pools. This list is not all-inclusive. Information concerning setbacks and other zoning requirements can be found in the Avalon-Bellevue-Ben Avon Joint Zoning Ordinance.
Please call the Borough Administration Office at 412-761-5820 with any Zoning questions.
A building permit may also be required for your work, depending on the scope of the project.
Building permits are issued by Harshman CE Group, LLC.
ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION
ZONING HEARING BOARD
Any applications for dimensional or use variances, applications for use by special exception, or appeals from decisions made by the Zoning Officer are considered by the Zoning Hearing Board. The Board conducts hearings and make decisions in accordance with the Tri-Borough Joint Zoning Ordinance. These hearings are semi-judicial proceedings: the parties give sworn testimony that is recorded by a court reporter.
Applications for a Zoning Hearing Board proceeding may be obtained from the Avalon Borough Administration Office. Zoning Hearings will be conducted on the 2nd Monday of the month as necessary. Applications to appear before the Zoning Hearing Board must be received at least 30 days before the scheduled Zoning Hearing Board meeting.
Zoning Hearing Board Members
Derek Jackson - Chairman
John Werner
Kenneth Krukowski
PLANNING
The Joint Planning Commission is a panel of representatives from Avalon, Bellevue and Ben Avon that
was established to develop the Tri-Borough Joint Zoning Ordinance. The Commission continues to meet monthly,
the last Monday of each month, at 7:00 pm located at the Avalon Borough Building, 640 California Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15202.
Contact Todd Demangone, Chairman of the Joint Planning Commission, via email here with questions, comments or concerns.
The schedule for 2026 is as follows: January 26, 2026 February 23, 2026 March 23, 2026 April 27, 2026 May 18, 2026 June 22, 2026 July 27, 2026 August 24, 2026 September 28, 2026 October 26, 2026 November 16, 2026 December 14, 2026 The Joint Planning Commission Members consist of three (3) representatives from each Borough: Avalon - Valerie Cupps, Todd Demangone (Chair 2026), Justin Martin, Michael Kurela (Alternate) Bellevue - Bri Erskine, Drew Farra, Hannah Gerbeschact Ben Avon - Bruce Hall, Craig Riegelnegg (Vice Chair 2026), Frances Szalay (Secretary 2026)
Please contact all members at triboroughsjpc@gmail.com.
The schedule for 2026 is as follows: January 26, 2026 February 23, 2026 March 23, 2026 April 27, 2026 May 18, 2026 June 22, 2026 July 27, 2026 August 24, 2026 September 28, 2026 October 26, 2026 November 16, 2026 December 14, 2026 The Joint Planning Commission Members consist of three (3) representatives from each Borough: Avalon - Valerie Cupps, Todd Demangone (Chair 2026), Justin Martin, Michael Kurela (Alternate) Bellevue - Bri Erskine, Drew Farra, Hannah Gerbeschact Ben Avon - Bruce Hall, Craig Riegelnegg (Vice Chair 2026), Frances Szalay (Secretary 2026)
Please contact all members at triboroughsjpc@gmail.com.
Guides to help you
Are you looking to build a fence, wall, or deck on your property? Do you want to do it in compliance with Avalon Borough regulations? You should. The rules are there to protect you and our community. AND, it is the only way to avoid citations. Luckily, we have a guide that tells you everything you need to know. Access it below.
Are you looking to operate a short-term rental (like through AirBnB, VRBO, etc.) out of your property? Do you want to do it in compliance with Avalon Borough regulations? You should. The rules are there to protect you and our community. AND, it is the only way to avoid citations. Luckily, we have a guide that tells you everything you need to know. Access it below.