Zoning variance for estate property

[Nicho Pruett]

If there’s a better BO forum that might help with the below. Please do not hesitate to let me know.

I am trying to request a variance for a property that is not in my name. It’s in my mother’s name; however, she is deceased and I am the Administrator of my her estate.

I submitted an application to the city for a variance to convert the SF into a MF and the application was returned without review. They are requiring that the application be submitted by the current owner. (Note: I submitted documentation from the Register of Wills office evidencing that I am the Estate Administrator).

I will eventually transfer the house in my name but there is an outstanding mortgage and I am trying to do a loan (purchase property/assume mortgage/rehab cost) all at one time. But I need proper zoning before the bank will do it. (Trying to avoid multiple settlement costs).

Anyone know how I can get the application through zoning without transferring the deed into my name?

Thanxxx so much.

This was the response I received from my architect who submitted the application for me:

So our application go bounced back from the city. I guess the letter of administration was insufficient. They're looking for a transfer of title, see below...

"The applicant listed as OWNER does not correspond to the owner listed with the Office of Property Assessment. Please provide your signed HUD 1/settlement sheet with sellers, buyers, and settlement agents signatures or the complete eRecorded deed from the city of Philadelphia"

I asked at the city and it sounds like in order to move forward with this being an administrator of the estate is not enough and you will need to formally transfer the deed into your name.