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Zoning, planning & development

Apply for encroachment approval from the Art Commission

If you want to build a structure that extends into or over a public space (such as a street, park, or river), you need approval from the Art Commission. The commission will review the design and location of your proposed encroachment.

Common types of encroachments include:

  • Newsstands.
  • Bus shelters.
  • Electric vehicle chargers.

The commission also reviews proposed streeteries with structures. This review takes place as part of the streetery prerequisite approval process.

How

1
Check with the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) about other prerequisite approvals.

To begin, find out about the approvals that L&I may require for your project. This will vary depending on the permit or license you need.

In addition to the Art Commission, you may need approval from:

  • The Department of Streets.
  • The City Planning Commission.
  • Other agencies.

If you require approvals from other groups, get them before contacting the Art Commission.

2
Submit your application.

Gather your submission materials and submit them by email to artcommission@phila.gov.

Alternatively, you can submit them to:

Philadelphia Art Commission
1515 Arch St., 13th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Appointments are required for in-person plan reviews. To schedule, use our online appointment system. Once you’ve entered your contact information, select “Art Commission” and choose “Art Commission plan review.”

3
Your application will be reviewed.

Art Commission staff will review your application and determine next steps. If necessary, they will forward your application to a subcommittee or the Art Commission.

The review and appeal processes vary depending on the project type.

Submission materials

Cover letter

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Photographs

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Renderings and drawings

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Supporting materials

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What happens next

The review and appeal processes are different depending on the kind of application you submit.

Newsstands and minor encroachments

Commission staff will review applications for:

  • Newsstands.
  • Encroachments with minor visual impact.
  • Encroachments that are temporary.

Staff may approve or reject these kinds of applications independently. If your application is rejected by the staff, you can appeal by presenting to a subcommittee.


Major encroachments

The Art Commission will review applications for:

  • Complex encroachments that require building permits.
  • Encroachments with significant visual impact.

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