building condos in Philadelphia on vacant lot.

[Mark Redmann]

hello everyone! I have 2 vacant loys side by side in a hot area of Philadelphia. I was wondering if its possible to build 2 structures with 3 condos each? What would i have to look out for as far as zoning? Also what would be a round about price to build one of these? Figure decent finishes, nice kitchen. Thanks!

[Karen Margrave]

There's a lot you need to know to determine whether or not you can build condos, and do them for a price that makes sense. Here's some of the things you want to know:

• What size is the lot?
• Zoning
• Set backs for driveways, walkways, landscaping requirements, etc.
• Any CC&R's for the area (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions)?
• Utilities, where are they?
• What amount of the lot is allowed to be covered with buildings?
• Parking, will garages be required, how many?
• Is the lot level?
• What are height limits?
• Permit fees
• School fees
• Other fees (parks, traffic signals, etc.)
• What are neighboring properties like?
• Values?
• Rents?
• Local economy?

Those will get you started. Just because a parcel is zoned for something doesn't mean you can feasibly build that on it. Time to do your homework!