You must get a master plan review if you are proposing:

• A new master plan district.
• Amendments to a master plan within a master plan district.

A master plan is a land-use development plan that includes maps, text, and graphics for a master plan district.

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission reviews proposed major amendments to master plans at public meetings. Planning Commission staff review proposed minor amendments.

Once the amendment to the master plan is approved, the applicant can apply for a zoning permit.

There are three types of submissions: new master plan districts, major amendments, and minor amendments.

Minor amendments include:

• Changes to the parking, loading, and landscaping plan that do not reduce the required parking, loading, and landscape area.
• A temporary facility or structure that is consistent with the intent of the master plan district.
• Additions of less than 2,500 sq. ft. to the gross floor area of the buildings.
• Increasing the impervious surface area by less than 2,500 sq. ft. or 5% of the master plan district.

Major amendments include:

• Additions of more than 2,500 sq. ft. to the gross floor area of the building or buildings.
• Increasing the impervious surface area by more than 2,500 sq. ft. or 5% of the master plan district.

Applicants include:

• Developers.
• Property owners.
• Attorneys.
• Architects.
• Engineers.
• Expediters.

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) office is located at:

1515 Arch St.
13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There is no charge for a master plan amendment review at the Planning Commission.