The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues zoning and change of use approvals in accordance with the Philadelphia Zoning Code.
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Zoning code
The Philadelphia Zoning Code regulates development and change of use within the city. The current Zoning Code was implemented on August 22, 2012.
Zoning regulations govern:
- Land use.
- The height and bulk of buildings.
- Population density.
- Parking requirements.
- Placement of signs.
- Character of development on private property.
- Development in protected areas and on steep slopes.
Zoning permits authorize a particular use of the building or ground. More than one zoning permit may be required before a building permit can be issued by L&I for construction or demolition, or before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued to occupy a building.
Know your zoning district
Knowing your zoning district is the first step in the zoning permit or zoning appeal process.
- If you’re not sure how your property is zoned, use Atlas to look it up.
- Use the Zoning Quick Reference Guide or Zoning Summary Generator to learn more about the zoning regulations for your property.
- Read the Philadelphia Zoning Code for more information about zoning.
- You can appeal a zoning decision through the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
- A Property Sales Certification provides documentation of the zoning classification, last established use in the zoning record, and uncorrected violations.
Below, you’ll find zoning permits available through L&I.