OVERVIEW

The Philadelphie Zoning Code regulates the City's development. Zoning regulations dictate land use, the height and bulk of buildings, population density, parking requirements, the placement of signs, character of development on private property, and how property is "used", inside and out.

For example, zoning laws tell what kinds of structures can be attached to our homes, such as decks or fences, or the number of families that can legally live in a particular property. They also tell the business operator where he/she can legally locate commercial activity.

               Please click here to view the Zoning Archive

Role of the Department of Licenses and Inspections
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L & I) is the chief regulatory agency for the City of Philadelphia. One of its responsibilities is to enforce the requirements of the Zoning Code. L & I processes applications, issues permits, and conducts inspections to ensure that zoning regulations are met. L & I also bears the responsibility to provide information about the "appeal" process. Zoning decisions can be appealed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), a separate panel of experts.

Definition of a Zoning or Use Permit
A permit is an official non-renewable document that authorizes a specific activity. Zoning permits authorize construction of or an addition to a building. Use Registration permits authorize a particular use of the building or ground. Both of these can be required before a building permit may be issued by L&I for any construction.

Although most permits are issued by L&I, other departments such as the Streets and Water Department issue a limited number of permits.