Bella Vista Town Watch's Zoning Committee holds monthly meetings to provide a neighborhood forum for residents’ discussion of all Bella Vista zoning variance and liquor license relocation applications.

A variance is required by the city whenever the proposed size or use of a property does not conform with the standard zoning and building codes. The Philadephia Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) approves or denies variance applications. Liquor License relocation applications are decided by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (LCB).

The BVTW Zoning Committee seeks to build consensus opinion among neighbors on issues and applications before the ZBA or the LCB, 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 or Liquor Control Board 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 this document before contacting BVTW at zoning@bvtw.org or 215-627-0057.

A list of upcoming Zoning Committee hearings (and applications slated to be discussed) is available here.

Zoning Committee meetings also are posted on the calendar posted on BVTW.org.