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:
2100 Benson St: Relocate lot lines to create 22 lots (A-V) for single family homes and a parking lot. We are currently waiting for new plans from the owner to reduce the number of houses and increase parking spaces.
8029 Castor Av: Proposed use of Fraternal Organization in the existing structure.
1920-28 Bleigh Ave: The owner has proposed erecting two twin duplexes (8 units).
1809 Mower St: To remove one accessory garage parking space and create one accessory surface parking space located in the rear yard of an existing semi-detached structure.
1920 Shelmire Ave: Proposed use as a Two-Family household living within the existing structure.
1813 Chandler St: For the erection of side and rear additions to create a semi-detached building, maintaining use as an existing single family household living with one (1) off-street accessory carport parking space.
2025 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 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.
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)
Download1920-28 Bleigh Avenue: The owner of this property has proposed to build two twin condos (8 family units) on this site. This project represents an opportunity for ownership rather than a rental situation. They are eager to discuss this project with nearby neighbors and other Rhawnhurst residents, especially in light of recent Philadelphia zoning issues. They will be joining us at our next monthly zoning meeting on April 16th at 7:00 PM at Pelbano Playground. Please inform your neighbors and consider attending so that your opinions can be conveyed to the representative of this project, particularly regarding any potential zoning refusals.
Below is the proposed project building plan and a picture of the existing property.
1809 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. As you navigate Philadelphia zoning issues, you can view the architectural drawings below. Currently, no zoning meetings have been scheduled, and there are no zoning refusals at this time.
1813 Chandler Street: This project involves the erection of side and rear additions to create a semi-detached building intended for use as an existing single-family household living space, complete with one (1) off-street accessory carport parking space. This development is part of ongoing discussions surrounding Philadelphia zoning issues. A public zoning meeting has been scheduled for September 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM via Zoom to address any concerns, including potential zoning refusals.
Zoom Log-In information:
Meeting ID: 879 2950 5084
Passcode: 038245
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87929505084?pwd=FTPVOOhjDcLRwIZ5aBzgJALbFHXKUv.1
1813 Chandler St L&I Refusal 6-23-25 (pdf)
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