The feasibility period is your opportunity to confirm that a site in Philadelphia is viable for your intended development before investing in design. Thoroughly assessing zoning, permit scope, fees, and timeline expectations helps you avoid delays and manage cost projections accurately.

Checking Zoning & Site Plan Requirements

• Begin by identifying your property’s zoning district using the City's zoning tools. Knowing the district rules—land use, height, bulk, parking, signs—is essential.

• Philadelphia requires zoning permits for actions such as changing use, new construction/additions, parking changes, signs, lot line alterations, demolition, or earth disturbance.

• Small accessory structures under 130 sf and under 15 ft tall may be exempt, but floodplain or steep slope conditions may trigger a separate review.

• A conditional zoning approval can be requested before formal zoning permit submission, especially in areas requiring Civic Design Review.

Plan Review Types & Submission Pathways

• For projects requiring building permits, zoning approval must be obtained first. Residential additions or renovations may be reviewed concurrently with zoning once submitted.

• Submit through the eCLIPSE portal or in person at L&I. Provide documents like site plans, structural, MEP plans, and floodplain or stormwater compliance materials as needed.

Estimating Review Timelines

• Zoning reviews typically take several weeks; simple cases may finalize in 1–4 weeks, while larger developments take several months.

• Building permit reviews take 15–20 business days for standard residential, with accelerated options available.

• Additional approvals (streets, water, civic or historic commissions) can add weeks or months; board or hearing delays may exceed six months.

Fee Structure & Payment

• Zoning permit fees vary by type: for example, there are different rates for initial filings, accessory signs, and non-accessory signs, plus record and review fees.

• Building permit fees: residential projects start at a base amount with incremental costs per $1,000 of construction. Commercial fees are higher and also vary by discipline (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.).

Coordination with City Departments

• L&I coordinates zoning, building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and occupancy reviews.

• Other agencies may include Streets, Water Department, Planning Commission, and Historic or Civic Design Review boards.

Using Expedite & Conditional Review Options

• Accelerated review is available for building and zoning permits at added cost, with a 15-business-day target.

• Conditional zoning approval helps streamline full applications by pre-clearing compliance issues and notifying the public in advance.

Checklist of Feasibility Period Tasks

• Identify zoning district and permitted uses

• Determine required zoning permit types

• Check for exemptions (e.g., small accessory structures) or floodplain constraints

• Optionally seek conditional zoning approval

• Prepare and submit plans via eCLIPSE or in person

• Estimate fees and choose standard or accelerated review

• Identify and engage with Streets, Water, Historic/Civic Review early

• Track review timelines: zoning (weeks to months), building (15–20 days), boards (months)

• Plan for public posting, appeals or hearings if needed

Call to Action

Philadelphia's feasibility period requires a strategic blend of zoning insight, permit planning, fee budgeting, and timeline coordination. We’re ready to support your project—from conditional zoning approval to permit submission, agency coordination, and developing a comprehensive feasibility roadmap. Let’s begin.