The Philadelphia City Planning Commission is working with community groups to update zoning districts in the 5th Council District, in the area from Roosevelt Boulevard to Sedgley Avenue between North Broad Street and 6th Street. We want your input on these updates so that we can learn about the community’s perspective.
What is Zoning?
Zoning is the primary tool for regulating land use. Zoning is a set of regulations governing land development and permitted uses for property. These laws regulate what type of uses can occur (use), where buildings can be located on a property (area), and the size of the building (bulk). Existing properties may not conform with zoning regulations if they have received a variance for their use, area, or bulk, or if they legally existed before the zoning laws being enacted. Zoning Maps divide a community into different Zoning Districts, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and special purpose. Become familiar with Philadelphia’s Zoning Districts with our Zoning Quick Guide or watch a short video introduction to zoning.
How Do I Find Out How My Neighborhood is Zoned?
Zoning Maps show what Zoning District applies to a property. They can be found online at atlas.phila.gov under the zoning tab on the left side of the screen. The Zoning Code applies the rules of how properties in each district may be used and built on.
Why Would We Change the Zoning?
The Philadelphia City Planning Commission is in the process of updating zoning in neighborhoods throughout the city. These proposed changes will help meet community goals for how a neighborhood should grow. Your neighbors helped define these goals in the North District Plan in 2018.
What is the Area?
We will update the zoning in two phases within the 5th Council District. During our first phase, we will address zoning within the boundaries of West Erie Avenue, 9th Street to 6th Street following the 5th Council District boundary, the railroad tracks, and North Broad Street. During our second phase, we will address zoning within the boundaries of Roosevelt Expressway, 9th Street, West Erie Avenue, and North Broad Street.
How Can I Get Involved?
We are committed to listening to residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. To add your voice, please attend the following community meetings hosted by Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. and PCPC:
- Meeting 1: September 4, 2024 6-7:30pm at Voice of Praise Church (3509 Old York Road)
- Meeting 2: October 16, 2024 6-7:30pm at Voice of Praise Church (3509 Old York Road)
Voice of Praise Church is ADA Accessible. Presentation will be interpreted in Spanish.
If you are unable to attend a meeting, we will post slides and materials on this web page after each meeting.
We are also collecting information from residents, businesses, and workers in the area. Please fill out our survey to submit your ideas, recommendations, and opinions by September 18.
Where Can I Find More Information?
For more information, please contact Nathan Grace, North District Planner at planning@phila.gov or (215) 683-4648.
