Starting July 6 many City offices will reopen to the public. Others will continue to operate in a more hybrid style.
The Department of Planning and Development and PHDC will provide most services by internet or phone. Where necessary, in person meetings by appointment are available.
A summary of services and operations is below.
PHDC services
Most program activities are taking place online. Home repair applications are also taken over the phone.
| Support services | Online assistance | Telephone support |
| COVID-related Emergency Rental Assistance | Visit the website | 311 |
| Basic Systems Repair or Adaptive Modifications | Visit the website | (215) 448-2160 |
| Restore, Repair, Renew home repair loans | Visit the website | |
| Apply to buy or lease publicly owned vacant land | Visit the website | |
| Respond to an RFP or competitive sale | Visit the website | |
| Job postings, financing, board meeting information, settlements, and all other items related to PHDC | Visit the website |
Philadelphia City Planning Commission
Have a general inquiry? Call 215-683-4615.
All zoning and project reviews will continue to take place through the online eCLIPSE system. Note that this will continue even after all offices completely reopen.
Stamping of paper plans is by appointment only. Contact matt.wysong@phila.gov or sarah.chiu@phila.gov for details. You will be asked to submit digital plans for review before scheduling an appointment.
Planning Commission meetings will continue to take place remotely.
Civic Design Review
CDR meetings will continue to take place remotely.
The process for bringing a project to CDR remains unchanged.
Historical Commission
Historical Commission meetings will continue to take place remotely.
When necessary, staff will meet contractors in the field for a masked, socially distant review. Request a meeting by emailing preservation@phila.gov.
Staff will process general inquiries, complaints, nominations, guidance, and approvals remotely.
Art Commission
Art Commission meetings will continue to take place remotely.
Applications will also be considered remotely, including:
Zoning Board of Adjustment
ZBA hearings will continue to take place remotely.
Zoning appeals may be submitted via the online eCLIPSE system or via U.S. Mail. Appeals submitted by mail must include a check or money order for the filing fee.
Division of Housing and Community Development services
Most program activities are taking place online. Foreclosure prevention, eviction prevention/diversion, and home repair help are also available over the phone.
| Support services | Online assistance | Telephone support |
| Foreclosure prevention | Visit the website | (215) 334-4663 |
| Eviction prevention/diversion | Visit the website | (215) 334-4663 or (267) 443-2500 |
| COVID-related Emergency Rental Assistance | Visit the website | 311 |
| Basic Systems Repair or Adaptive Modifications home improvements | Visit the website | (215) 448-2160 |
| Restore, Repair, Renew low-interest home repair loan | Visit the website | |
| Tangled Title deed clearance | Visit the website | |
| Heater Hotline heating repairs | Visit the website |
Before you visit our DCHD partners
Each housing counseling agency, Neighborhood Advisory Committee, and Neighborhood Energy Center operates differently. Some offices continue to work remotely. Before visiting an office, contact them to verify whether they’re accepting in-person visits.
Housing programs and eligibility
For more information about the City’s housing programs, call (215) 686-9749. To find out what programs you might be eligible for, use our Housing Helper App.
