Philadelphia Business Zoning Requirements

•  Locations in Philadelphia that are earmarked to house a residential property and a business can be under the RMX-2 districts.
• These districts are mainly allocated to house both residential and mixed-use properties.
•  Single-family houses typically don't require zoning approvals.
• However, for mixed-use properties, "a use registration permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspection or a special exception or a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment" are needed.
•  Developments in these districts should also adapt to the specific dimensions that were indicated. If not, a variance will need to be secured.
•  Businesses in Philadelphia that are involved in housing household pets also require a variance.
•  Variances are typically issued if an applicant has an evidence that the denial of the variance would cause an unnecessary difficulty that was not due to the applicant.
• The variance must also be the minimum with the "least modification possible" that will give some relief while adhering to the Zoning Code.
• The variance should not significantly contribute to congestion in the road and not disturb the area plan.
• If a variance is needed, owners will need to secure a zoning or use registration permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspection.
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