What we do
The Department of Planning and Development works in collaboration with communities to promote, plan, preserve, and develop successful neighborhoods for all.
Reaching these goals requires city agencies to work together with residents, businesses, developers, advocates, funders, and each other. Planning and Development has a team of agencies that do just that. Our agencies include:
- Philadelphia Art Commission
- Philadelphia City Planning Commission
- Division of Development Services
- Division of Housing and Community Development
- Philadelphia Historical Commission
- Zoning Board of Adjustment
We also partner with the PHDC.
Together we are charting a vibrant future for our city.
Connect
| Address |
1515 Arch St.
13th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102 |
|---|---|
|
planning |
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| Phone |
Phone:
(215) 683-4601
TTY: (215) 683-0286
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| Social |
Announcements
New ZBA Fee Schedule in Effect as of August 1
New Zoning Board of Adjustment fees are effective on August 1, 2026. View the new fee schedule and other ZBA materials on the Zoning Board of Adjustment appeals materials page.
Zoning Board of Adjustment fees are established in Section A-907 of the Philadelphia Administrative Code. Applicants must pay a filing fee to appeal to the ZBA. The filing fee will be listed on your refusal or referral issued by L&I.
New Zoning Board of Adjustment fees came into effect on August 1, 2026.
The fee to appeal varies by property:
- Existing one-or-two-family dwellings — $125
- Proposed affordable housing projects* — $125
- All other properties — $811
- Administrative review — $265
- Reposting of notices (continuance) — $177
- Accelerated hearing — $995 per property (maximum of $2,985)
- Accelerated hearing for proposed affordable housing projects* — $0
- Leave to amend — $151
*Applies to applications for variances and special exceptions where the project described in the denied zoning permit meets the definition of an “Affordable Housing Project,” as defined in Section A-106 of the Philadelphia Administrative Code.
Philly Trails in a Photo Contest
This summer, teenagers and young adults in Philadelphia are invited to enter the Philly in a Photo Contest: Trails Edition. Philadelphia youth ages 12 to 22 are invited to enter a photo in the contest by September 1, 2026. Enter the contest by completing the Philly in a Photo Contest (Trails Edition) submission form. For more details and information, read this blog post.