The Pittsburgh Planning Commission today reversed itself and approved the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's request to install a sign atop the U.S. Steel Tower in Downtown Pittsburgh, where it is relocating its headquarters.

The vote was 6-1 in favor, with one abstention. Two weeks ago, the request was defeated in a 3-3 vote.

The change came after Patrick Ford, an aide to Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and former city planning director, told the commission today that the rejection had left the city on "very shaky legal ground." The size of the sign, he said fell within the limits of the city zoning code.

In fact, it was noted, the code would have allowed a sign of 3,000-square feet, while UPMC's proposal is about half that. It would also be four feet shorter than the sign on Mellon's nearby building.

Barbara Mistick voted for the off-white, lighted sign, saying, "I do think it continues to add to our skyline."

But Barbara Ernsberger repeated her vote against it. She said an informal survey she conducted found no support for the sign. And she said she didn't like putting a UPMC sign on a symbol of the city's steel heritage.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.