Some of this information is taken from the City of Philadelphia’s Zoning overview, the full text of which can be found here.

A variance is required by the city whenever the proposed size or use of a property does not conform to the city’s standard zoning and building codes.

The Philadelphia 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.

To determine the permitted zoning for your property, go to http://citymaps.phila.gov/zoning, and then look up your zoning in The Philadelphia Zoning Code itself, here.

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

If the city Licenses & Inspections department determines that a project does not conform to the Philadelphia Zoning Code, a Notice of Refusal will be issued. If you wish to appeal this decision, you must file a Petition of Appeal to appear before the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) and request a variance to the Zoning Code. If the ZBA approves the variance, you may then acquire a permit and proceed with construction plans.

Bella Vista Town Watch's Zoning Committee holds monthly meetings to provide a neighborhood forum for residents’ discussion of all Bella Vista zoning variance before the ZBA.

The BVTW Zoning Committee seeks to build consensus opinion among neighbors on issues and applications before the ZBA, but on occasion it will oppose an application. For most cases, the committee’s stance is documented in a letter of non-opposition, opposition or “no decision” and sent to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for consideration.

A copy of BVTW's zoning committee protocols, outlining the BVTW zoning committee’s process and required documentation, is available here. Applicants should review the BVTW zoning protocol document before contacting BVTW at zoning@bvtw.org or 215-627-0057.