WHEN DO I NEED A ZONING APPROVAL?

Zoning approval is necessary for the following:

• All new construction
• All occasions where a new use is proposed for a property
• All maintenance-related construction
  
  Note: Remember that zoning is just one part of the process. Any construction that changes the exterior dimension of your home not only requires a zoning permit but also a building permit. Theses are examples where both permits are required, please reference the building permit information section:
   
• Additions to one and two-family dwellings
• Demolition, such as all or part of an exterior wall or removal of a garage or shed
• Construction of sheds exceeding 120 square feet
• Fences
• Decks higher than 30" above ground
• In-ground pools

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ZONING APPROVALS?

There are three (3) types of zoning approval:

1. Zoning Permit
   A Zoning Permit is required for all new construction, from a skyscraper to a shed or in-ground swimming pool. A permit is required to build an extension to an existing structure, such as adding on a garage or family room. "Relocation of lot lines", to create one lot or to subdivide a lot into two or more lots, requires a Zoning Permit     Demolition or partial demolition of a property also requires a Zoning Permit.
   
    Special regulations apply to "historic properties", or properties located in designated historic areas. If the L & I representative finds that your property is in this category, this person will explain the procedure for acquiring zoning approval. Maintenance-related construction, such as replacement of windows, door, or steps, does not require a zoning permit, but will receive a zoning review with application for a building permit. In addition to construction-related activity, billboards and certain signs also require zoning permits.
    
2. Use Registration Permit
   A Use Registration Permit is required whenever a new business use is started on, or in, any property. For example, a building that was used as a doctor's office should not be changed to a restaurant without first filing an application for a Use Registration Permit for the "new use" in that property.
   
   It is not necessary to acquire a Use Registration Permit for a simple change in ownership of the same "type of business". However, anyone who plans to purchase a property should first check the use permitted in that  property. The purchaser of a business that is not properly zoned will not be allowed to operate that business and     must apply for a new Use Registration Permit. If business operations begin without the proper Use Registration Permit, the owner may be prosecuted through the court system.
   
   A Use Registration Permit is also required for billboards and most signs.
    
3. Certification of Permit Not Required
   This certification is generally issued for maintenance-related construction. This pertains to cases where interior alterations in an existing property do not change the area, height, floor plan, or bulk of that structure and where the use of the structure is legal and unchanged. It may also be issued for exterior construction that is considered minor, such as the replacement of steps.

WHAT FORMS MUST BE FILLED OUT?

Completion of the APPLICATION FOR ZONING PERMIT AND/OR USE REGISTRATION PERMIT is necessary for all types of zoning approvals. A zoning application can be requested by calling 215-686-2435 between 8AM and 5PM, or by writing to:

     Department of Licenses and Inspections
     1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
     Public Services Concourse
     Philadelphia, PA 19102-1687

All applications must be prepared in ink or typewritten

[ Zoning Permit Reference Information ] [ General Zoning Permit Information ]
[ Detailed Zoning Permit Information ] [ Additional Zoning Information ]
[ Zoning Approval Process ] [ Zoning Permit Fees ] [ No Permit Granted ]