Below are the current open Philadelphia zoning issues that have been referred to the Rhawnhurst Civic Association due to zoning refusals issued by the Philadelphia Department of License & Inspection. Before the property owners can appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustments, they are required to meet with their neighbors. The Rhawnhurst Civic Association facilitates these crucial zoning meetings. Our meetings are conducted using the ZOOM electronic meeting platform unless specified otherwise. Please see the bottom of this page for listings of past zoning issues.
Voting at Zoning Meetings: In accordance with the By-Laws of the Association, Article III, Section 2, "Only members in good standing are eligible to vote at Association meetings. Each member is entitled to one vote and may not vote by proxy for a member absent from a meeting at which a vote is taking place." Additionally, any attendee of the zoning meeting who has received a letter from the representative of the zoning project will also be allowed to vote. If you would like to vote but are not a member of the association, please visit the "Membership Application" page of our website to sign up and become a member.
If you are about to start a project at any property in Philadelphia, it is essential to learn the steps to protect your investment by ensuring your project has the proper permits, licenses, plans, and professionals in place. We recommend reading the City of Philadelphia, Department of License & Inspections free booklet "START RIGHT - A Guide to L&I Services."
Dept L&I Guide to Services (pdf)
DownloadPlease attend a zoning meeting or contact the Association to discuss Philadelphia zoning issues in greater detail! If you have trouble joining our web-based meeting, or if you are unable to participate, please reach out to us and we will assist you in making alternative arrangements.
Zoning Refusals:
2025-2026 Zoning Meeting Schedule (pdf)
Download2100 Benson has applied for a permit to relocate lot lines, creating twenty-two lots (Parcels A-V) from one lot (deeded 2100 Benson St), with sizes and locations as per the plans. On Parcels A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, & T, the proposal includes the erection of a three-story semi-detached structure that features a full basement and a roof deck at the second-floor front, accessed from the interior, designated for use as Single Family Household Living. The dimensions and locations are detailed in the plans. On Parcel Q, a three-story detached structure is proposed, also with a full basement and a roof deck at the second-floor front, intended for use as Single Family Household Living, with sizes and locations as per the plans. Parcel U will host a three-story attached structure that includes similar amenities and is designated for Single Family Household Living, with size and location according to the plans. On Parcel V, there will be a surface parking lot created with twenty-one spaces, including one accessible space, intended for use as Non-Accessory Parking. This aspect addresses some Philadelphia zoning issues regarding parking availability. A plot plan, survey, and zoning plan have been provided by the project attorney and are presented below. A representative of the project attended our October 16th, 2024, zoning meeting at 7:00 pm, held at Pelbano Playground, for a Q&A session. During this meeting, they learned that the neighborhood would not support their project due to concerns over too many buildings and insufficient parking, which often leads to zoning refusals. In response, the owner is revising their plans to incorporate more parking per house and reduce the number of houses. Once more information is available, it will be posted below.
A conversation was held with the representative of this project who has informed us that new plans will be presented shortly. Once available, the new plans will be attached below, and preparations will be made for a community meeting.
8029 Cator Avenue has applied for a variance regarding the proposed use of a Fraternal Organization within an existing structure, which is pertinent to ongoing Philadelphia zoning issues. Additional information: The attorney representing this property stated that the 'Fraternal Organization' is an Albanian Club. They gather for social purposes, engaging in activities such as playing pool, watching European basketball and soccer, drinking hot tea and soda, and enjoying light snacks.
A community meeting took place on Thursday, August 14th at 6:00 pm via Zoom. The result was that the vote on this issue was tabled to allow time for the owner of the property to work out differences brought up by some of the meeting attendees. A second meeting will be scheduled in the near future, at which time the community can vote on lending support, or not, to the property owner seeking a variance.
8029 Castor Ave L&I Refusal 1-29-25 (pdf)
Download1809 Mower Street: This application addresses Philadelphia zoning issues by proposing the removal of one accessory garage parking space and the creation of one accessory surface parking space located in the rear yard of an existing semi-detached structure. Currently, no zoning meetings have been scheduled to discuss this matter, and there have been no zoning refusals related to this application at this time.
1809 Mower St ZBA Refusal 3-17-25 (pdf)
Download1920 Shelmire Avenue: This proposal involves the use of an existing structure for a Two-Family household living. This property was originally built as a duplex. The city has mis-zoned this property. Currently, no zoning meetings have been scheduled, and there are no zoning refusals at this time.
1920 Shelmire Ave L&I Refusal 6-5-25 (pdf)
Download2000 Oakmont Street: For the proposed use, Two-Family Household Living, within an existing structure. Previously approved Office-Business and Professional use to remain in the basement level. No public meeting has been scheduled to date.
2000 Oakmont St L&I Refusal 7-22-25 (pdf)
Download1729 Cottman Avenue: For the erection of Three Statically Illuminated flat wall signs, one statically illuminated cabinet wall sign, and one statically illuminated freestanding sign. Signs accessory to proposed uses Take-Out restaurant, retail sale of food, beverage and groceries, two sole medical, dental health practitioner offices, business and professional offices, and personal services.
A public meeting has been scheduled for the Zoom electronic platform on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The log on information is as follows:
Meeting ID: 814 9811 6749
Passcode: 137654
Or use the direct link to the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81498116749?pwd=YgXNBsFcokKQWePscOKr1dhAywb40R.1
1729 Cottman Ave L&I Refusal 8-25-25 (pdf)
Download7701 Bustleton Avenue: For the relocation of Lot Lines to create two lots (Parcel A-2300 Hartel Ave & Parcel B-7701 Bustleton Ave) from one deeded lot. All existing and previously approved uses and structures to remain including accessory parking areas.
A public meeting has been scheduled for the Zoom electronic platform on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The log on information is as follows:
Meeting ID: 844 7563 5848
Passcode: 105991
Or use the direct link to the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84475635848?pwd=HQZ2H7YHanG23Z9YoyvW6prYbIo656.1
7701 Bustleton Ave L&I Refusal 9-30-25 (pdf)
Download1802 Kendrick Street: Permit for use, Two-Family Household Living, in an existing semi-detached structure.
No public meeting has been scheduled as yet!
1802 Kendrick St L&I Refusal 10-8-25 (pdf)
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