County Office Building – Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County Office Building

The Allegheny County Office Building, located on Forbes Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh, serves as a major administrative hub for the county government. Connected to the historic County Courthouse, this facility houses several critical departments that interact directly with the public. 🏢 It is a primary location for citizens seeking assistance with property assessments, legal representation through the Public Defender, and other administrative services.

Office of Property Assessments

One of the key departments located here is the Office of Property Assessments (OPA). The OPA is responsible for establishing the assessed value of all real property in Allegheny County, which serves as the basis for local property taxes. 🏠 Services provided include:

• Property Data: Maintaining physical characteristics and ownership records for parcels.
• Appeals: Handling informal reviews and formal appeals regarding property assessments.
• Exemptions: Processing applications for homestead/farmstead exclusions and tax abatements.

Office of the Public Defender

The building also houses the main office of the Allegheny County Public Defender. This office provides legal counsel to individuals who are financially unable to hire a private attorney for criminal defense. ⚖️ The staff includes attorneys, investigators, and social workers dedicated to ensuring competent legal representation for indigent clients in various proceedings, including preliminary hearings and trial courts.

Elections and Other Services

Seasonally, the County Office Building serves as a focal point for the Elections Division, particularly for the return of mail-in and absentee ballots. The lobby is often designated as a drop-off location during election periods. 🗳️ Visitors should be aware that while this building is distinct from the Courthouse, the two are physically connected, and security protocols are strictly enforced at all entrances.