Diversified Investors Group – South Philadelphia Sub Group

[Joseph Scorese]

Diversified Investors Group – South Philadelphia Sub Group

Real Estate Development, Zoning and Land Use

As a real estate investor, do you understand the complexities of local zoning codes, land-use ordinances and the sequence of events involved with developing a piece of real estate? If you want to learn more about zoning and land development, please come out to the Diversified Investors Group networking event at Famous Dave’s BBQ February 23rd, 2015 6:30-8:30 PM.
Mark Danek, a real estate attorney with an undergraduate degree in architecture, has extensive experience with zoning and land development. He currently manages a solo law practice with an emphasis on real estate, zoning and development, and currently sits as a voting board member of the Borough of Conshohocken Zoning Hearing Board.

During the networking event, Mark Danek will provide you with information designed to demystify the process and help you develop a piece of property according to your plans. Please come ready with questions. Topics will include:

Identifying The Property
o Vacant Lots
o Abandoned Properties
o Properties in Use
o What do you want to do with the property?

The Property’s Zoning
o The Properties Current Zoning – Why it matters.
o Permitted Uses in the Zoning District – Why it matters
? Non-conforming Uses
? Special Exceptions
? Use Variances
o Changing the Current Use – What can be done under the zoning code?
o Expanding a non-conforming use and overcoming a presumption of abandonment of non-conforming use.
o What is happening in the neighborhood? Any other properties similar to your proposed use?

Developing the Property
o The initial meeting with the local code enforcement officer
o Sewer and Water tie-ins – Pre-approvals, escrows and engineering
o Planning Commission Recommendations.
o Determining what zoning relief, if any, will be needed and how to secure that relief.
? Appeals to the Zoning Hearing Board and to Common Pleas Court