Philadelphia Zoning Code Guide

[Yuriy Skripnichenko]

I see a lot of questions coming up in the forums about zoning and issues with zoning in Philadelphia. 

Here is a quick reference guide and a manual for Philadelphia zoning. For those who want to have better understanding of what is permitter and prohibited in specific zoning code. However, keep in mind that Philadelphia is an old city and you can find a lot of properties with grandfathered-in use or variance etc. Specifically there are a lot of properties in strictly single family dwelling zoning maps, however at some point in the past they were granted variance for the use. Also there are a lot of not officially done multiunit dwellings in the city. So use these guides only for information. ALWAYS confirm the current use of the property before you buy it. 

Philadelphia Zoning Code. Informational Manual

Quick Reference Guide