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Building in Philadelphia
Government
We recommend
that you start by contacting the councilperson for the area. If you need a zoning change or a street placed
on the City Plan, you will need the councilperson to introduce legislation
into City Council. Working proactively to engage District Council members
can save time in the development schedule. Each council office has a
staff member responsible for zoning who attends the Zoning Board of
Adjustment’s hearings. Council persons are listed at right.
City Agencies
The residential development approval process for the City of Philadelphia may involve working with a number of public agencies. This website covers those agencies, describes their roles and provides contact numbers.
Click here to view this process.
Planning
Most plans for development require the review of the City Planning Commission.
At your request, Planning Commission staff will review your plans prior
to any formal submission. The Zoning Unit of the Department of Licenses
and Inspections (L&I) will review plans over the counter. At your
request, L&I will schedule a meeting with you to review construction
plans.
Call the L&I Commissioner’s office at
215-686-2400.
Click here to connect to the City Planning Commission
Private
There are independent agencies that can assist
you: the Building Industry Association and the American Institute of
Architects. Contact information below.
- American Institute for Architects –
Philadelphia (AIA)
A members’ association for architects.
117 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-569-3786
www.aiaphila.org
- American Society of Civil Engineers
Non-profit organization: promotes green building and community interaction.
P.O. Box 58186, Philadelphia, PA 19102
800-461-4190
www.asce-philly.org
- Building Industry Association of Philadelphia
(BIA)
Provides networking opportunities.
1735 Market St., Suite A 432, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-427-9666
www.biaofphiladelphia.com
State
State law requires that developers/contractors call 3 days before beginning
construction. The purpose is to prevent damage to underground facilities, to promote
safety among
designers, excavators, and facility owners.
Pennsylvania One Call System: click here
Stop—Call Before You Dig! 800-242-1776
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