Zoning Issues in Philadelphia

Below are the current open 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 either live meetings, held at Pelbano Playground, or by using the ZOOM electronic meeting platform. 

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 (these persons are known as near neighbors and are required to be notified of the public meeting by city ordinance) 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."

Please attend a zoning meeting or contact the Association to discuss Rhawnhurst 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. Here is a list of current zoning issues. More information for each case is available further down the page.

Zoning Refusals and Proposed Projects:

• 7520 Castor Avenue: For the proposed use, Take-Out Restaurant, within an existing structure.  
• 8430 Bustelton Avenue:  New construction of a Five story multi-family structure with Sixty dwelling units, Thirty-Seven on site off-street parking spots, and twenty off-street bicycle parking locations.  
• 1731 Emerson Street: Appeal For the legalization of removal of one (1) interior accessory parking space and creating one (1) accessory surface parking space for an existing semi-detached structure. 
• 7511-15 Loretto Avenue: Appeal for the erection of a walkout roof deck on the second-floor level. No change to existing household living, Single Family use.
• 7810 E Roosevelt Boulevard: Appeal against L&I for the notice of violation and final warning issued by the License & Inspection because a vehicle located on the roof of its automobile dealership is not a sign pursuant to the Philadelphia Zoning code. 

7520 Castor Avenue:  For the proposed use, Take-Out Restaurant, within an existing structure.

No meeting date has been set at this time.

8430 Bustleton Avenue: New construction of a Five story multi-family structure with Sixty dwelling units, Thirty-Seven on site off-street parking spots, and twenty off-street bicycle parking locations.  

No meeting date has been set at this time.

1731 Emerson Street: Appeal For the legalization of removal of one (1) interior accessory parking space and creating one (1) accessory surface parking space for an existing semi-detached structure. 

No meeting date has been set at this time.

7511-15 Loretto Avenue: Appeal for the erection of a walkout roof deck on the second-floor level. No change to existing household living, Single Family use.

No meeting date has been set at this time.

7810 E Roosevelt Boulevard: Appeal against L&I for the notice of violation and final warning issued by the License & Inspection because a vehicle located on the roof of its automobile dealership is not a sign pursuant to the Philadelphia Zoning code.  

We are keeping an eye on this issue as the appeal is against the denial by L&I and not an attempt to gain a variance for the auto on the roof of the building.