Understanding a Building’s History
The importance of property discovery - or research - before purchasing a property in Philadelphia.
How to Obtain Building Permits in Philadelphia, PA: Understanding Zoning and Building History
When embarking on a construction or renovation project in Philadelphia, one of the most crucial steps is obtaining the proper building permits. However, before you can apply for a permit, it’s essential to understand the zoning laws and the history of the specific building or property. This ensures that your project complies with the city’s regulations and avoids costly delays down the road. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of discovering zoning requirements and building history to set the stage for obtaining a building or zoning permit in Philadelphia.
Step 1: Understand Zoning Requirements
Zoning laws dictate how land in specific areas of the city can be used, and they play a key role in determining what type of construction or renovation can take place on a property. Philadelphia has a complex zoning code that divides the city into various districts, each with its own rules regarding permitted uses, building height, setbacks, parking requirements, and more.
Discovering Zoning Information:
To start, you need to identify the zoning district your property is located in. Philadelphia provides an online tool called the Zoning Map. The map will give you a color-coded layout that indicates the zoning classification of your property and surrounding areas.
If you need further information, the Philadelphia Quick Zoning Guide outlines the specific regulations for each zoning district. For example, residential zones like “RSA” may allow for single-family homes, while commercial or industrial zones may permit mixed-use buildings, retail, or other types of construction.
Additionally, the Zoning Overlays (special restrictions for specific areas, such as historic districts or flood zones) could influence your project.
Step 2: Review Building History
The next critical step in your permit application process is understanding the building’s history. This includes determining whether any existing structures need to be demolished, renovated, or expanded, and ensuring that the proposed changes meet local codes.
How to Research Building History:
Property Records: You can begin your search for building history through the Philadelphia Department of Records using property.phila.gov and atlas.phila.gov. These websites contain property records and historical documents that can reveal previous permits, construction history, and violations associated with the property.
Philadelphia Historical Commission: If your building is located in a historic district or is designated as a landmark, you’ll need to consult the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Properties within these districts may have additional restrictions, and you may need a special certificate of appropriateness before proceeding with renovations or new construction. You can view an up-to-date registry of historic properties here.
Building Permits: Use the eCLIPSE system (Electronic Code & Licensing Information System) to search for any past building permits issued for the property. This platform lets you track the building’s compliance history and ensures that no outstanding code violations are associated with the property.
Inspection Reports: You can also hire a licensed professional, such as Kosten Expediting to conduct an inspection of the building’s permit history, which is standard practice here before we send out any estimates.
It’s important to know that even the most rigorous discovery process may not turn everything up as not all records are public information. If you are looking to buy a property, it’s always a good idea to ask the owner to go down to L&I and obtain a copy of the most recently approved plans. Then, you can compare the current layout to those plans to determine whether work has been done without a permit.
Conclusion
Obtaining building permits in Philadelphia involves a thorough understanding of zoning requirements and the history of the property. By researching zoning laws, building history, and past permits, you can ensure that your construction project is compliant with city regulations and proceed with confidence. Always consult with local experts, such as zoning attorneys, architects, contractors, or expediters to help guide you through the permitting process, minimizing risks and ensuring a smooth project, maximizing your chance of coming through on time and on budget.
