Philadelphia Zoning Lawyer

Our Philadelphia zoning and land use Services

Navigating through the intricacies of zoning and land use regulations in Philadelphia can be a complex task. At Pritzker Law Group, we offer comprehensive services to help you tackle these challenges, from securing variances and special exceptions to managing subdivisions, consolidations, and Civic Design Reviews. Any seasoned zoning attorney near you at our firm is backed by a wealth of experience and strong government relations, is ready to guide you through the process and deliver effective results.

More about our zoning and land use services:

• Variances - A variance is a formal request for an exception to a property’s current zoning or land use requirements. To obtain a variance, you must generally demonstrate that current regulations create a “practical difficulty” in effectively leveraging the property. In other words, you may be able to secure a variance if current zoning restrictions are excessively burdensome. Each jurisdiction’s zoning board will evaluate what constitutes “practical difficulty” differently, but the process typically involves informing adjacent and area property owners and discussing your request in a formal hearing. We can help prepare your variance request, interface with the local zoning board, and represent you in any hearings.
• Subdivisions and Consolidations - Zoning regulations can potentially limit your ability to subdivide or consolidate land. Many jurisdictions’ zoning ordinances include minimum lot sizes for certain areas that can limit your ability to subdivide a larger piece of land into smaller plots. Zoning authorities will also have to approve any consolidation of adjacent lands into a single, larger parcel. If you are looking to subdivide or consolidate get in touch with us.
• Special Exceptions - Securing a special exception involves getting permission to use land in a manner that is allowable under a zoning ordinance if certain criteria are met. In practice, this is the process of confirming that your intended use of the property fulfills all requirements to trigger the special exception. We can review local zoning ordinances to confirm you meet all requirements and work to efficiently obtain special exception approvals.
• Civic Design Reviews - When a building project in Philadelphia is sufficiently large or is in a certain type of location, they may be required to undergo a Civic Design Review. This process evaluates how the public-facing elements of the project will impact the surrounding community. The committee conducting the review will generally assess the project’s height, shape, sidewalks, access points, parking requirements, and more. Our team is ready to represent you throughout the Civic Design Review process.
• Feasibility Analysis - We provide due diligence services and can create feasibility reports that assess all factors that can impact your project’s prospects, including relevant zoning ordinances and neighborhood metrics. These reports provide evidence that a venture is likely to succeed and benefit the broader community. Consequently, they can convince zoning boards to grant variances and other allowances.

What are common zoning restrictions that property owners in Pennsylvania might encounter?

Navigating zoning restrictions is an essential aspect of property ownership and development in Pennsylvania. These local laws govern how land can be used and developed, ensuring orderly growth and protecting community interests. 

Here's a detailed guide to help you understand common zoning restrictions you might encounter.

Land Use Restrictions: 

• Residential Zoning: Limits properties to residential uses, prohibiting commercial or industrial activities. This ensures neighborhoods maintain a uniform character.
• Commercial Zoning: Permits retail stores, offices, and service businesses. Restrictions may apply to prevent certain types of businesses in specific areas.
• Industrial Zoning: Designated for manufacturing and production facilities. These areas are often separate from residential zones to minimize noise and pollution impact.

Building Height: 

• Height Limits: Zoning ordinances often specify maximum building heights to preserve community aesthetics, prevent obstruction of views, and maintain a certain scale. These limits can vary widely depending on the municipality and the specific zone.

Lot Size and Density: 

• Minimum Lot Size: Zoning laws may dictate the minimum size for a residential lot to control population density and ensure adequate space between structures.
• Density Restrictions: Regulations might limit the number of units per acre, affecting developments like apartment complexes or subdivisions.

Setbacks: 

• Front, Side, and Rear Setbacks: These rules require buildings to be set back a certain distance from property lines, roads, or other structures. Setbacks help maintain privacy, allow for emergency access, and ensure safe pedestrian pathways.

Signage Restrictions: 

• Sign Size and Placement: Zoning laws often regulate the size, type, and placement of signs to ensure they do not obstruct views or detract from the area's visual appeal. Restrictions may vary for residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

Impact on Property Development and Use: 

• Development Limitations: These restrictions can influence the feasibility and cost of developing a property. Understanding them is critical for planning purposes and avoiding legal issues.
• Navigating Zoning Laws: Property owners can often apply for variances or special exceptions if they wish to deviate from standard zoning rules. This process typically involves presenting a case to a local zoning board or commission.

What Are The Different Zoning Classifications in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's zoning classifications are designed to manage land use throughout the city. They include various categories, each with its own set of standards and use regulations. Key categories include Residential Single Family, Residential Multi-Family, Commercial, and Industrial districts.

• Residential Single Family is further divided into RSA (Single Family Attached) and RSD (Single-Family Detached), each with additional classifications (RSA-1 through RSA-5 and RSD-1 through RSD-3).
• Residential Multi-Family includes RM (Residential Multi-Family) with its own set of classifications.
• Commercial districts are categorized as CMX (Commercial Mixed-Use), with different levels from CMX-1 to CMX-5, each allowing a different degree of commercial activity.
• Industrial districts are categorized as I (Industrial), including I-1, I-2, and I-3, each permitting different types and intensities of industrial uses.

Want to know more about zoning and land use in Philadelphia? Get in touch with an experienced zoning attorney near you at Pritzker Law Group.

Our team at Pritzker Law Group is ready to help you cut through red tape and bring your project to fruition. Schedule a free 15 minute initial consultation with a Philadelphia zoning attorney by contacting us online or calling (215) 515-0882.