Zoning, planning & development

Get a Zoning Permit for parking

Service overview

You need a Zoning Permit to create new off-street parking. If parking is part of your development project, such as new construction or an addition, you may request it on the same zoning application.

The Zoning Code applies to parking spaces located on private property. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues these approvals.

The Zoning Code does not control parking within the public right-of-way. For information about street parking, visit the Department of Streets.

If your proposal meets code requirements, you are granted permits as a matter of right. If your proposal does not meet code requirements, you’ll need a special exception or variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Who

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:

  • Design professionals.
  • Attorneys.
  • Contractors.
  • Licensed expediters.

Requirements

Permit application

The permit application must include the complete listing of addresses and current owner information.

Plans

If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.

Required pre-approvals

For any zoning application that includes parking

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For:

  • Landscaping and screening at parking lots.
  • Parking at corner properties
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For parking garages.

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For earth disturbance of 5,000 sq. ft. or more.

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Where and when

In person

Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

Cost

Fee types that may apply

Filing fee

There is a non-refundable filing fee, which is applied to the permit fee. The balance of the permit fee is due upon approval.

  • For parking serving one-or-two-family dwellings: $25
  • For all other parking: $100

Permit fee

  • Per property: $155

The permit fee to change use may cover this fee if parking is accessory to a proposed use.

If multiple parking areas are provided on a property, they are typically not charged separate fees.

Record retention fee

  • Per page larger than 8.5 in. by 14 in.: $4

Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)

Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.

  • Fee: $1050
    • $350 is due when you apply. You must pay the remainder once approved.

To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review application and submit with your permit application. Accelerated review fees will not be credited toward your final permit fee.

Payment methods and details

Accepted payment methods

Where Accepted payment
Online through the eCLIPSE application

(There is a $200,000 limit for online payments.)

  • Electronic check
  • Credit card (+2.25% surcharge)
In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building
  • Electronic check
  • Credit card (+2.25% surcharge)
In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building

(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.)

  • Check
  • Money order
  • Credit card (+2.25% surcharge)
  • Cash

Checks and money orders

Check requirements
  • Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
  • The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
  • Personal checks are accepted.
  • Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected

L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:

  • Unsigned.
  • Expired.
  • Post-dated.
  • Starter checks without account info.

Returned payment policy

If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:

  1. You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect a fee of $20.
  2. The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.

Late license payment

If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.

How

You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.

In person

1
Get any required pre-approvals before submitting your application to L&I.
2
Bring your completed application, application materials, and payment to the Permit and License Center.

Applications are processed within 20 business days.

  • You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5-10 business days.
3
If approved, you will receive notice to pay the balance.

If not approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Online

1
Log in to your eCLIPSE account and apply for a permit. Upload all required documents and pay the filing fee.

If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.

2
The application will go to L&I and other City departments for review and approval.
  • Applications are processed within 20 business days.
    • You can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
3
If approved, the applicant will receive a notice to pay the balance.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Appeals

If your application receives a Notice of Refusal or Notice of Referral, you may appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Your right to appeal a Notice of Refusal or Referral expires 30 days from the date it was issued. These denials can not be extended. You need to submit a new application and filing fee to get a new refusal or referral.

Renewal requirements

Expiration

  • Zoning permits that involve building expire in three years if you don’t begin construction at the site.
  • A Conditional Zoning Permit is valid for one year after the date it was issued.

Extending a zoning permit

You can apply for a permit extension starting three months before the permit expires. Extended permits are valid for one year from the expiration date of the original permit, regardless of when the extension is issued.

You can apply for an extension online using eCLIPSE or in person. To apply for an extension in person:

  1. Fill out a Zoning Permit Application. In the project summary, state that you’re applying for a permit extension and include the permit number.
  2. Attach a letter detailing why you need an extension and the planned construction schedule.
  3. File the application in person at the L&I Permit and License Center and pay the permit extension fee of $50.

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