The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) announced open registration for community groups to become Registered Community Organizations (RCOs). The application period ends August 14.

RCOs are community groups that are concerned with the physical development of their community. Organizations can apply online or using a paper application that can be printed and mailed in.

“RCOs help neighbors have a voice in the physical development of their neighborhood, by coordinating and hosting community meetings,” said Eleanor Sharpe, Deputy Director for Planning and Zoning. These public meetings create the opportunity for the community to respond to development proposals in their neighborhoods that require appearance before the Zoning Board or the Civic Design Review committee.

There are currently 268 active RCOs. To qualify for RCO status, organizations have to meet certain standards set up by the city. Applications are reviewed by PCPC staff.

Existing RCOs whose term was to end on June 30 will be extended for one year to June 30, 2021. The organizations will be notified via an email from PCPC staff.

For more information or questions, please visit: https://www.phila.gov/programs/registered-community-organizations-rcos/ or email rco@phila.gov.